A Journal of The Swedish Embassy in The Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. by Whitelocke, Bulstrode, 1605-1675

JOURNAL
OF
THE SWEDISH EMBASSY
IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654.
A JOURNAL
OF
THE SWEDISH EMBASSY
IMPARTIALLY WRITTEN BY THE
AMBASSADOR BULSTRODE WHITELOCKE.
FIRST PUBLISHED
FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT
BY
DR. CHARLES MORTON, M.D., F.S.A.,

LIBRARIAN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
A NEW EDITION,
REVISED BY
HENRY REEVE, Esq., F.S.A.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOLUME II.
“A wicked messenger falleth into mischief, but a faithful ambassador is health.”
Proverbs xiii. 17.
LONDON:
LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS.
1855.
PRINTED BY
JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, LITTLE QUEEN STREET,
LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS.
1 JOURNAL
JOURNAL OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654. 1

The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the years 1653 and 1654 (Vol II) by Bulstrode Whitelock
OF
THE SWEDISH EMBASSY
March 1, 1653.
Whitelocke continues the negotiation. Now was the heat of Whitelocke’s business, and many cross
endeavours used to render all his labours fruitless, and to bring his treaty to no effect. But it pleased God, in
whom his confidence was placed, to carry him through all his difficulties, and to give his blessing and success
to this negotiation.
Whitelocke gave a visit to the Count de Montecuculi, to give him the welcome home from his journey with
the Queen; who said he had commands to kiss the hand of the Prince of Sweden, and took the opportunity of
accompanying her Majesty when she went to meet the Prince. He communicated nothing of the business to
Whitelocke, nor did he think to inquire it of him.
After Whitelocke returned home, the Resident of France and Woolfeldt met at his house to visit him, and staid
with him three hours. They had much discourse 2 of France, and of the Duke of Lorraine, and of the policy of
the Spaniard in entertaining that Duke in his service; by means whereof the country where the Duke’s soldiers
were quartered was better satisfied than with the Spanish forces, so that there was no tax levied for them, only
they took free quarter, and sometimes a contribution upon the receiving of a new officer. And Woolfeldt said,
that whereas all other Princes give wages to their officers and soldiers, the Duke gives no pay; but when he
makes an officer, the officer pays money to the Duke for his commission; and that he knew a captain of horse
who gave a thousand crowns for his commission, which the captain afterwards raised upon the country, and
the Duke connived at it. He told how he was employed to treat with the Duke for the transportation of five
thousand foot and three thousand horse into Ireland, to assist our King; which the Duke undertook on
condition to have a hundred thousand crowns in ready money, and ships to transport his men from some
haven in France, none of which could be effected.
Advances from France. After Woolfeldt went away, the French Resident asked Whitelocke whether France
were comprised in the treaty with Holland. Whitelocke said he had no information thereof. The Resident
replied, that his master would willingly entertain a good friendship and correspondence with England; and
Whitelocke said, he believed England would be ready to do the like with France. The Resident said, he
observed by their discourse that Whitelocke had been in France, and that the late King would have given him
the command of a troop of horse in France; and he hoped that Whitelocke would retain a good opinion of that
3 country, and be their friend. Whitelocke replied, that he was very civilly treated in France, and believed that
he should have served the late King there, if, by a sudden accident or misfortune, he had not been prevented,
and obliged to return for England sooner than he intended; and that he should be always ready (as he held
himself engaged) to pay all respects and service to that Crown, as far as might consist with the interest of the
Commonwealth whom he served.
March 2, 1653.
Senator Schütt explains the delay in the negotiation. Notwithstanding his great words against the
Commonwealth and present treaty, yet Monsieur Schütt was pleased to afford a visit to Whitelocke, and they
fell (amongst many other things) upon the following discourse:—
March 1, 1653. 2
Schütt. My father was formerly ambassador from this Crown in England, where I was with him, which
occasioned my desire to be known to you.
Whitelocke. Your father did honour to this country and to ours in that employment, and your Excellence
honours me in this visit.
Sch. England is the noblest country and people that ever I saw: a more pleasant, fruitful, and healthful country,
and a more gallant, stout, and rich people, are not in the world.
Wh. I perceive you have taken a true measure, both of the country and her inhabitants.
Sch. This is my judgement of it, as well as my affection to it.
Wh. Your country here is indeed more northerly, 4 but your people, especially the nobility, of a much-like
honourable condition to ours; which may cause the more wonder at her Majesty’s intention of leaving them,
who are so affectionate to her.
Sch. Truly her Majesty’s purpose of resignation is strange to foreigners, and much more to us, who are her
subjects, most affectionate to her.
Wh. It is reported that she hath consulted in this business with the Senators, whereof you are one.
Sch. Three Senators are deputed to confer with the Prince of Sweden, upon certain particulars to be observed
in the resignation; and I hope that your Excellence will consider the importance of that affair, and will
therefore attend with the more patience the issue thereof, being necessary that the advice of the Prince be had
in it.
Wh. Have the three deputed Senators any order to confer with the Prince about my business?
Sch. I believe they have.
Wh. I had been here two months before the Queen mentioned this design of hers to the Council, and have staid
here all this time with patience, and shall so continue as my Lord Protector shall command me; and as soon as
he requires my return I shall obey him.
Sch. The occasion of the delay hitherto was the uncertainty of the issue of your Dutch treaty; and at this
season of the year it was impossible for you to return, till the passage be open.
Wh. I believe the alliance with England meriteth an acceptance, whether we have peace or war with Holland;
and for my return, it is at the pleasure of the Protector.
5 They had much other discourse; and probably Schütt was sent purposely to excuse the delay of the treaty,
for which he used many arguments not necessary to be repeated; and he came also to test Whitelocke touching
advice to be had with the Prince about this treaty, whereunto Whitelocke showed no averseness.
Treacherous reports to England. Whitelocke received his packet of two weeks from England. In a letter from
his wife he was advertised that the Protector had spoken of his voyage to Sweden as if Whitelocke had not
merited much by it, though he so earnestly persuaded it; and his wife wrote that she believed one of
Whitelocke’s family was false to him; and upon inquiry she suspected it to be ——, who gave intelligence to
the Protector of all Whitelocke’s words and actions in Sweden, to his prejudice, and very unbeseeming one of
his family. This Whitelocke, comparing with some passages told him by his secretary of the same person,
March 2, 1653. 3
found there was cause enough to suspect him; yet to have one such among a hundred he thought no strange
thing, nor for the Protector to alter his phrase when his turn was served. And though this gave ground enough
of discontent to Whitelocke, yet he thought not fit to discover it, nor what other friends had written to him,
doubting whether he should be honourably dealt with at his return home; but he was more troubled to hear of
his wife’s sickness, for whose health and his family’s he made his supplication to the great Physician; and that
he might be as well pleased with a private retirement, if God saw it good for him, at his return home, as the
Queen seemed to be with her design of abdication from the heights and glories of a crown.
6 Part of the letters to Whitelocke were in cipher, being directions to him touching the Sound. He had full
intelligence of all passages of the Dutch treaty, and a copy of the articles, from Thurloe; also the news of
Scotland, Ireland, France, and the letters from the Dutch Resident here to his superiors in Holland, copies
whereof Thurloe by money had procured. He wrote also of the Protector’s being feasted by the City, and a full
and large relation of all passages of moment. The Protector himself wrote also his letters to Whitelocke under
his own hand, which were thus:—
Letter from the Protector. “For the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke.
“My Lord,
“I have a good while since received your letters sent by the ship that transported you to Gothenburg, and three
other despatches since. By that of the 30th of December, and that of the 4th instant, I have received a
particular account of what passed at your first audience, and what other proceedings have been upon your
negotiation; which, so far as they have been communicated to me, I do well approve of, as having been
managed by you with care and prudence.
“You will understand by Mr. Secretary Thurloe in what condition the treaty with the United Provinces is, in
case it shall please God that a peace be made with them, which a little time will show; yet I see no reason to
be diverted thereby from the former intentions of entering into an alliance with Sweden, nor that there will be
anything in the league intended with the Low Countries repugnant thereunto, especially in things wherein you
are already instructed fully. And for the matter of your third and fourth private instructions, if the Queen hath
any mind thereto, upon your transmitting particulars hither such consideration will be had thereof as the then
constitution 7 of affairs will lead unto. In the meantime you may assure the Queen of the constancy and reality
of my intentions to settle a firm alliance with her. I commend you to the goodness of God.
“Your loving friend,
“Oliver P.
“Whitehall, 3rd February, 1653.”
March 3, 1653.
The son of Oxenstiern formerly sent to England. Grave John Oxenstiern, eldest son of the Chancellor, came to
visit Whitelocke; a Ricks-Senator, and had been Ricks-Schatz-master, or High Treasurer, a place next in
honour to that of his father. He had been formerly ambassador from this Crown to England; but because he
was sent by the Chancellor his father, and the other Directors of the affairs of Sweden in the Queen’s
minority, which King Charles and his Council took not to be from a sovereign prince; and because his
business touching the Prince Elect’s settlement, and the affairs of Germany relating to Sweden, did not please
our King; therefore this gentleman was not treated here with that respect and solemnity as he challenged to be
due to him as an ambassador; which bred a distaste in him and his father against the King and Council here, as
March 3, 1653. 4
neglecting the father and the good offices which he tendered to King Charles and this nation, by slighting the
son and his quality.
The discourse between this Grave and Whitelocke was not long, though upon several matters; and he seemed
to be sent to excuse the delay of the treaty with Whitelocke, for which he mentioned former 8 reasons, as his
father’s want of health, multiplicity of business, the expected issue of the Dutch treaty, and the like; and the
same excuses were again repeated by Lagerfeldt, who came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor for the same
purpose.
Whitelocke had occasion to look into his new credentials and instructions from the Protector, which were
thus.
Whitelocke’s new credentials and instructions. “Oliver, Lord Protector, etc., to the Most Serene and Potent
Prince Christina, etc., health and prosperity.
“Most Serene and Potent Queen,
“God, who is the great Disposer of all things, having been pleased in His unsearchable wisdom to make a
change in the Government of these nations since the time that the noble B. Whitelocke, Constable, etc. went
from hence, qualified and commissioned as Ambassador Extraordinary from the Parliament of the
Commonwealth of England unto your Majesty, to communicate with you in things tending to the mutual good
and utility of both the nations, we have thought it necessary upon this occasion to assure your Majesty that the
present change of affairs here hath made no alteration of the good intentions on this side towards your Majesty
and your dominions; but that as we hold ourself obliged, in the exercise of that power which God and the
people have entrusted us with, to endeavour by all just and honourable means to hold a good correspondence
with our neighbours, so more particularly with the Crown of Sweden, between whom and these nations there
hath always been a firm amity and strict alliance; and therefore we have given instructions to the said Lord
Whitelocke, answerable to such good desires, earnestly requesting your Majesty to give unto him favourable
audience as often as he shall desire it, and full belief in what he shall propound on the behalf of these
dominions. And so we heartily commend your Majesty and your affairs to the Divine protection. 9 Given at
Whitehall this 23rd of December, Old Style, 1653.
“Your good friend,
“Oliver P.”
The following instructions were under the hand and private seal of the Protector:—
“An Instruction for B. Whitelocke, Constable, etc., Ambassador Extraordinary from the
Commonwealth of England to the Queen of Sweden.
“Whereas you were lately sent in the quality of Ambassador Extraordinary from the Parliament of the
Commonwealth of England unto her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, for the renewing and contracting an
alliance and confederation with that Queen and Crown, according to the commission and instructions you
received from the said Parliament and the then Council of State; And whereas, since your departure hence, the
then Parliament hath been dissolved, and the Government is settled and established in such a way that you
will understand by letters from Mr. Thurloe, Secretary of the Council, who is directed to give unto you a full
account hereof: Now lest the work you are upon (which is so necessary in itself to both the nations, and so
sincerely desired on our part) should be interrupted or retarded by reason of the said change of affairs, and the
question that may arise thereupon concerning the validity of your commission and instructions, I have thought
fit, by advice of the Council, to write unto her Majesty new letters credential, a copy whereof you will receive
March 3, 1653. 5
herewith, which letters you are to present to the Queen. And you are also, by virtue of these presents, to let her
Majesty know that the alteration of the Government here hath made no change in the good intentions on this
side towards her Majesty and her dominions; but that she shall find the same readiness in me to maintain and
increase all good intelligence and correspondence with that Queen and Crown 10 as in any the former
governors of these nations. And to that end you are hereby authorized to proceed in your present negotiation,
and to endeavour to bring the treaty with her Majesty to a good conclusion according to the tenour and effect
of the commission, powers, and instructions you have already received, and which I shall by any further act
ratify and confirm according as the nature of the business shall require.
“Before your Lordship deliver these letters credential to the Queen, or make any addresses to her, you
are to inform yourself fully of the reception you are like to have, and whether her intentions be to come to a
treaty of amity with this State as the Government is now established, that no dishonour may befall us or these
dominions in your addresses upon these letters and instructions. Given at Whitehall this 23rd of December,
1653.
“Oliver P.”
Whitelocke made many despatches this day to England.
March 4, 1653.
The Queen talks of visiting the Protector. Whitelocke waited on the Queen and showed her part of the letters
which he received from England, whereupon she again asked him if the Protector were sacré? Whitelocke
said, No, and that his letters mentioned only a solemnity of entertaining the Protector by the City of London.
Whitelocke also communicated to her Majesty the Protector’s letter to him, and the expression that
Whitelocke should assure her Majesty of the Protector’s constant and real intentions to settle a firm
alliance with the Queen; which, she said, she was also most ready to make with the Protector.
Whitelocke then said it might be fit to make some progress in his treaty upon his articles, and particularly 11
in those which concerned amity and commerce, and had no dependence on the issue of the treaty with
Holland, and therefore might be had in consideration before the other were fully concluded, and the rest of the
articles might be considered afterwards; which the Queen said should be done, and that she would send an
ambassador to the Protector. She was very inquisitive concerning London and our Universities; by her
discourse gave him to imagine she had thoughts of travelling into France, Spain, Italy, and into England; and
asked Whitelocke if he thought the Protector would give way to her coming thither. Whitelocke answered,
that the Protector would bid her Majesty very welcome thither.
He was alone with her near two hours, and at his taking leave she desired him to come to her again on
Monday next, and that then she would read over with him his articles, both in Latin and English, which they
would consider together; and such things as she could consent unto she would tell him, and what she could
not consent unto he should then know from her, and they might mark it in the margin as they went along. Yet
she said she would have him to proceed in his conference with her Chancellor as before, and that nobody
should know of that conference between her and Whitelocke; but she would so order the business that what
they consented unto should be effected afterwards, and that in two hours they might go over all the articles.
Whitelocke told her Majesty he presumed that she would admit of a free debate upon any of them. She said,
by all means, that was reasonable; and in case the peace between England and Holland did not take effect, that
then the ambassador, whom 12 she intended howsoever to send into England, might conclude upon such other
articles as should be thought fit. Whitelocke asked her if she had any thoughts of being included in the Dutch
treaty. She said, No, for she had not meddled with the war, and therefore desired not to be included in the
peace with them.
March 4, 1653. 6
Reports of the Dutch Resident adverse to Whitelocke. From the Queen Whitelocke went and visited
Piementelle, who showed him a letter he received from a great person in Flanders, mentioning that Beningen
had written to his superiors that the English Ambassador and the Spanish Resident were often together, and
had showed great respect to each other, which his Highness the Archduke liked very well, and gave
Piementelle thanks for it; and though Monsieur Beningen did not like of their being so friendly, yet his
superiors endeavoured all they could to have amity with England. When Whitelocke told him of the English
fleet at sea, he said it was great pity the same was not employed. He then showed Whitelocke a letter from
Beningen to his superiors, wherein he taxed Whitelocke with omitting the ceremony of meeting Prince
Adolphus at his door. Whitelocke repeated to Piementelle the carriage of that business as before; and
Piementelle said, that neither the Queen nor himself had ever heard the Prince express any dislike of
Whitelocke’s carriage; and that the Queen, seeing Beningen’s letter, said there were many
things in it concerning Whitelocke which upon her knowledge were not true. It was also said in the letter that
the English Ambassador had many long audiences with her Majesty, and conferences with the Chancellor, but
that he could not in the least learn what passed between them; with which Whitelocke had no cause to be
displeased.
13 March 5, 1653.
The Lord’s Day.—Whitelocke had two good sermons in his house, at which divers English and
Scots, besides those of his family, were present. In the evening the Queen passed through the streets in her
coach, with divers other coaches and her servants waiting on her, to take the air, though upon this day; and in
the night, many disorderly drunkards were committing debaucheries and insolences in the town, and at
Whitelocke’s door.
March 6, 1653.
Further excuses for delay. Whitelocke visited Senator Schütt, who spake in excuse of the delay of his
business. Whitelocke said—
Whitelocke. I have already staid long in this place, and nothing is yet done in my business.
Schütt. Your stay here hath been of more advantage to England than if they had sent 10,000 men into Holland,
who, by your stay here, will be brought on with the greater desire of making peace with you.
Wh. They know nothing of my negotiation.
Sch. That makes them the more jealous; the slowness of one person is the cause that hitherto you have
received no satisfaction, and I doubt not but ere long you will have answers to your contentment.
Whilst Whitelocke was with him the Queen sent one of her gentlemen thither to him, to desire him to put off
his visit of her Majesty till the next day, by reason she had then extraordinary business; and the messenger
being gone, Schütt said,—
Schütt. The Queen is busy in despatching three senators to the Prince, Grave Eric Oxenstiern, Monsieur 14
Fleming, and Monsieur Vanderlin, who are deputed for the business of the Queen’s resignation; and I,
in a few days, shall be sent to the Prince.
Whitelocke. I pray do me the favour to present my service to his Royal Highness, whom I am very desirous to
salute as soon as I can gain an opportunity; and do hope that his resort to this place will be before I shall be
necessitated to return, that I may give myself the honour to kiss his hand.
13 March 5, 1653. 7
Whitelocke visits the Chief Justice of Sweden. Whitelocke visited the Ricks-Droitset Grave Brahe, who is of
the noble family of Tycho Brahe. He was President of the College of Justice, and the First Minister of State of
the kingdom: the name of his office is as much as Viceroy, and his jurisdiction is a sovereign court for the
administration of justice, and he hath power both civil and military. The office is in effect the same with that
ancient officer with us called the Chief Justice of England. The habit of this Chief Justice of Sweden was a
coat, and a furred cap of black, a sword and belt, and no cloak; two soldiers sentry at his chamber-door, which
Whitelocke had not observed elsewhere but at the Court. They had much discourse of Whitelocke’s
business, wherein he testified affections to the Commonwealth of England, though Whitelocke had been
informed that he was not their friend; but he the rather chose to visit him first, and found him very civil: he
spake Latin very readily, and no French, although Whitelocke was told he could speak it well.
He inquired much of the Commonwealth and affairs of England, and government of it, and seemed well
pleased by Whitelocke’s relation of it. He informed Whitelocke of the Swedish Government, and 15
particularly of his own office. He discoursed much of the Prince of Sweden, which Whitelocke judged the
fitter for him to approve, because Prince Adolphus’s lady was this Grave’s daughter. He told
Whitelocke that he had been Governor of Finland ten years together, which province he affirmed to be greater
than France, and that the Queen’s dominions were larger than France, Spain, Italy, all together.
Whitelocke asked him if those countries were well peopled, and flourished with corn and good towns. He
answered that Finland was well peopled, and had store of corn, and good towns; but that it was not so with
Lapland and other countries further off. But he said that no part of Sweden had such towns as were in
England, where he had been when he was a young man, which country he much praised; and Whitelocke had
no cause to gainsay it.
Piementelle sent to Whitelocke an atlas, in four great volumes, in acknowledgment of a vessel of Spanish
wine which Whitelocke had before sent to him for a present.
March 7, 1653.
The Governor of Upsal, Monsieur Bannier, presented to Whitelocke three Latin books:—1. The Story
of Sweden; 2. Of the Laws of Sweden; 3. Of Sea Affairs; which were not ordinarily to be had.
Whitelocke takes the air with the Queen. The Queen sent one of her servants to invite Whitelocke to take the
air with her in the fields; and being come to the castle, she excused her not being yet ready to confer with him
upon his articles, as she had promised, but told him that she had ordered something to be written down on that
subject to show to him. 16 She took him into her coach, where was the “Belle Comtesse,” the
Countess Gabriel Oxenstiern, Prince Adolphus, Piementelle, Montecuculi, Tott, and Whitelocke. The Queen
was very merry, and they were full of cheerful discourse. Being returned to the castle at night, she desired to
hear Whitelocke’s music, whom he sent for to the castle; and they played and sang in her presence,
wherewith she seemed much pleased, and desired Whitelocke to thank them in her name. She said she never
heard so good a concert of music, and of English songs; and desired Whitelocke, at his return to England, to
procure her some to play on those instruments which would be most agreeable to her.
The Chancellor falls ill. Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke in the Court, and told him that the Chancellor
intended to have had a meeting with him this day, but was hindered by falling sick of an ague; but in case his
health would not permit him to meet, that then his son Eric Oxenstiern, by the Queen’s appointment,
would meet and confer with Whitelocke about the treaty in place of his father. But Whitelocke was not glad of
this deputation, wishing much rather to confer with the old man upon this subject, who was good-natured,
civil, and affectionate to Whitelocke, than with the son, Grave Eric, who was of a more rugged and
self-conceited humour, and not so soon gained by reason and convinced by arguments as the good old man his
father used to be.
March 6, 1653. 8
March 8, 1653.
The Chancellor’s son resumes the negotiation. Grave Eric Oxenstiern visited Whitelocke, and spake
much to excuse the delay of his treaty; and said 17 that his father was very sick of an ague, and he believed
the Queen would depute some other to confer with him, in case his father’s health would not permit
him that liberty.
Whitelocke. I am very sorry for the indisposition of your father, and for the delay of my business. I have been
here about three months, and nothing is yet concluded.
Gr. Eric. The uncertainty of your Dutch affair, and the Queen’s desire to know the issue of it, hath
occasioned this delay.
Wh. As the points of amity and commerce, they concern not our Dutch treaty.
Gr. Eric. You will be sure to receive all satisfaction and contentment on that subject; but there are many
particulars of the commerce to be considered.
Wh. I cannot say much upon those particulars; but I was sent hither by my Lord Protector to testify his respect
to the Queen and kingdom of Sweden, and to offer to them the amity of England, which I suppose that wise
and experienced persons as you are will accept of; and for commerce my proposals are general.
Gr. Eric. I confess the particulars thereof may more conveniently be treated on by merchants; and we do not
so much desire a confederation with any nation as with England.
It was supposed by Whitelocke, that by the deferring of his business here, the Hollanders would be in the
more suspense and doubt of the issue of it, and might thereby come on the more freely in their treaty with
England; whereas, if the issue of his business here were known, it might perhaps seem less to them than it was
now suspected to be. Upon this ground, 18 though he spake of the delay, yet he did not so much press for a
positive answer, but that he imagined the Dutch treaty might be brought to an issue; he intended to put on his
business here, and the default hitherto rested on their part, as was acknowledged by their own excuses.
Discourse with the Chief Justice. Whilst Eric was with Whitelocke, the Chief Justice came in. And after Grave
Eric was gone the Chief Justice discoursed much concerning the Protector and his family, his extraction and
pedigree, his former quality and condition, and his present state and manner of living: to which Whitelocke
answered truly, and with honour to the Protector; and as to his present post, attendants, and ceremonies of his
Court, he could not give so punctual an account, it being altered since his coming from England. He also
inquired particularly concerning the Parliament, the forms of their summons, sitting, debating, voting, power,
and authority; in all which Whitelocke was the better able to satisfy him, having been a Member of Parliament
for almost thirty years together: and then the Chief Justice inquired further:—
Chief Justice. What opinions of Calvin are most in estimation in England? and what is the state of your
religion there?
Whitelocke. Neither Calvin’s opinion nor Luther’s are esteemed in England further than they
are agreeable to the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, which are the rules and contain the state
of religion professed in England. But by what state of religion is the profanation of the Lord’s Day,
and of images and crucifixes in churches, permitted?
Ch. Just. No recreations or works are permitted 19 on Sundays till after divine service ended, and then Calvin
March 8, 1653. 9
permits them; and Luther is of opinion for the historical use of images and crucifixes, but not to pray to them.
Wh. Herein both the opinion of Calvin and that of Luther are expressly contrary to the Holy Scripture, and
therefore not esteemed in these points in England.
The Chief Justice eagerly asserted these opinions not to be contrary to the Scripture, but alleged no proof,
either from thence or out of human authors, to make good his assertion. After much argumentation hereupon,
the Chief Justice offered to Whitelocke that he would move the Queen for a speedy despatch of his business;
and said, he did not doubt but that satisfaction would be given him therein.
Whitelocke was the more desirous to get a conclusion of his business while Piementelle was here, because of
his great favour with the Queen; which, with her respects to Montecuculi, both great Papists, caused
Whitelocke to have the more doubt of her inclinations.
Prince Adolphus made a great entertainment for Montecuculi, Piementelle, and most of the grandees in town;
but Whitelocke was omitted, his humour and principles as to their jollities and drinking of healths not being
agreeable to theirs; and he held this neglect no affliction to him.
March 9, 1653.
Whitelocke visited the Ricks-Admiral Oxenstiern, the Chancellor’s brother, who received him with
great 20 civility; and they discoursed very much of Whitelocke’s business to the effect as others did.
Whitelocke visits the Chancellor’s eldest son. He also visited Grave John Oxenstiern, the
Chancellor’s eldest son, whose carriage was elated. Two of his pages were sons of Earls, and had the
title of Earls; his servants were some of them set at his outer door to receive Whitelocke; himself vouchsafed
to meet him at the inner door, and, with supercilious reservedness of state, descended to say to Whitelocke
that he was welcome. They discoursed of England, where this Grave had been, as is before remembered, and
the distaste he there received, which possibly might cause his greater neglect of Whitelocke, who took little
notice of it. He took upon him to be fully instructed in the affairs of England, and of the laws and government
there; wherein Whitelocke presumed to rectify some of his mistakes.
When he offered to move the Queen for despatch of Whitelocke’s business, he answered, that he had
done it himself already, and there would be no need to trouble any other. This occasioned some discourse
about the treaty, to which, with great gravity, this General declared his judgement concerning contraband
goods, that great care was to be taken therein, not to give any interruption to trade. Whitelocke said, that
concerned England much more than Sweden. Then he took care that the English rebels and traitors might have
favour in his country; but Whitelocke, knowing that he was neither employed nor versed in the business of his
treaty, spent the fewer words in answer to his immaterial objections.
Whitelocke confers with the Queen on the articles. In the afternoon, Whitelocke attended the Queen, who
excused her not having conferred with him about 21 his treaty. Whitelocke told her, that, if it were now
seasonable, he had them ready, and they might read them over together; whereunto she consented, and he read
them to her.
She took out a paper of notes, written with her own hand in Latin, her observations upon the articles.
1. After Whitelocke had read the first article, she said there was nothing therein which needed explanation.
March 9, 1653. 10
2. The second, she said, would require consideration, and read out of her notes the words “communis
interesse,” which she desired Whitelocke to explain what was meant by them. He told her those words
included matter of safety and matter of traffic. She then demanded why the Baltic Sea was named as to free
navigation, and not other seas likewise. Whitelocke said the reason was, because at present navigation was not
free in the Baltic Sea; but if she pleased to have other seas also named, he would consent to it. She asked if he
would consent to freedom of navigation in America. Whitelocke told her he could not, and that the treaties of
the Commonwealth were comprehended within the bounds of Europe. She asked him what he thought the
Protector would do in case she demanded that liberty. He said, his Highness would give such an answer as
should consist with the interest of England, and show a due regard to her Majesty.
3. This third article she said she would agree unto, but she thought it necessary that a form should be agreed
upon for certificates and letters of safe-conduct, that ships might pass free upon showing of them. Whitelocke
said, he thought there would be no need of them, especially if the peace with the Dutch were 22 concluded.
She replied, that if the war continued it would be necessary.
4. She said she thought there would be no need of this article, and read another which she herself had drawn in
Latin to this effect—“That if any hereafter should commit treason, or be rebels in one country,
they should not be harboured in the other.” Whitelocke said, the article was already to that purpose,
and he thought it necessary for the good of both nations. She said, it would be too sharp against divers officers
who had served her father and herself, and were now settled in Sweden. Whitelocke offered that amendment
which he before tendered to the Chancellor, which when she read, she told Whitelocke, that might include all
those men whom she mentioned before. Whitelocke said, that, upon inquiry into it, he found not one excepted
by name from pardon. She said, for anything to be done hereafter, it was reasonable, and she would consent to
it. Whitelocke said, that if any hereafter should come into her country, who were excepted from pardon, it was
also reasonable to include them in this article.
5. She said that this and the second article would require further consideration; because if she should consent
thereunto, it would declare her breach of the neutrality which she had hitherto kept. Whitelocke told her, if the
peace were concluded with the Dutch, that neutrality would be gone; and if the war continued, he presumed
she would not stick to declare otherwise then that neutrality. She said that was true, but she desired that this
and the second article might be let alone until the issue of the Dutch treaty.
6. The sixth article, she said, was reasonable.
7. She took exception to the words “bona à suis 23 cujusque inimicis direpta,” which, she said,
was a breach of her neutrality. To that Whitelocke answered as before upon the fifth article; and she desired it
might be passed over as the second and fifth articles, till the issue of the Dutch treaty were known. She said
she would desire the liberty of fishing for herrings. Whitelocke told her that upon equal conditions he
presumed his Highness would consent to that which should be fit. She asked what conditions he would
demand. Whitelocke said, those matters of commerce would be better agreed upon with the advice of
merchants.
8. The eighth article she said was equal.
9. There was no difference upon it.
10. She judged fit to be agreed upon.
11. She made some short observations, which by explanation Whitelocke cleared, and she agreed.
12. The like as upon the eleventh article.
March 9, 1653. 11
13. To this article she read in Latin an objection to the proviso, and said it was reasonable that, if they did
break bulk, they should pay custom for so much only as they sold. Whitelocke told her that objection showed
that there were great men merchants in Sweden, and that the objection was more in favour of the merchants
than of herself. She said the merchants were crafty indeed; and she did not much insist upon it.
14. The last article which Whitelocke had given in. To this she said it was fit that the men-of-war that should
come into the other ports should be to a number ascertained, to avoid suspicion. Whitelocke said he would
agree thereunto, with a caution, as in the first article, to be added: if they should be driven by tempest, force,
or necessity, then to be dispensed with.
24 Whitelocke desired her Majesty to give him a copy of her objections. She told him, they were only a few
things which she had written with her own hand, upon her apprehension of the articles, and that he should
have them in writing; but she desired him not to acquaint any person here with this conference.
March 10, 1653.

Whitelocke’s despatches to England. Upon yesterday’s conference with the Queen, Whitelocke
wrote the passages thereof at large to Thurloe, to be communicated to the Council in England, and to pray
their direction in some points which are set down thus in his letters:—
“I shall desire to know the pleasure of my Lord Protector and Council, whether, in case I shall
conclude those articles of amity and commerce, omitting the second, fifth, and seventh articles, if his
Highness will be pleased to approve thereof. I confess my humble opinion is (unless I receive commands to
the contrary) that in case the peace be concluded between us and Holland, and Denmark included, it will be no
disadvantage to us to conclude the alliance here, omitting the second, fifth, and that part of the seventh article
against which her Majesty objected, if she shall insist upon it.
“Another point wherein I pray direction is upon the sixteenth article of your treaty with the Dutch, that
either Commonwealth shall be comprehended, if they desire it, in treaties with other Princes, and notice to be
given of such treaties; whether in case your treaty with the Dutch shall be agreed, that then notice ought to be
given to them of the treaty with the Queen of Sweden, and the Dutch to be offered to be comprehended
therein; or whether, the treaty here being begun before that with the Dutch concluded, there will be any cause
to give such notice to them, or to 25 give notice to the Queen of your treaty with the Dutch; which you will be
pleased to consider.
“I am very willing to hasten homewards when I may obtain my Lord’s order; and that it will be
no prejudice here to your service, as I conceive such a conclusion would not at all be.
“I presume you have heard of the news at Antwerp, which is very fresh here this week, that the
Archduke hath imprisoned the Duke of Lorraine in the castle of Antwerp, which caused the gates of the town
to be shut; and that hath occasioned to your friends here the loss of the comfort of this week’s letters
from England, the post being stayed there, as I was certified from your Resident at Hamburg.”
Many despatches were made by Whitelocke to his friends in England, as his constant course was.
March 11, 1653.

Admiral Oxenstiern visits Whitelocke. The Ricks-Admiral visited Whitelocke. He discoursed of the treaty
here, and said that the Queen had not yet informed the Council of it in particular. He much inquired of the
nobility of England, of the Earls and Barons, and of their privileges, and what rank their children had, and of
March 10, 1653. 12

the several orders of knights, and of their original; in which matters Whitelocke was able to give him some
satisfaction. He told Whitelocke that the Duke of Lorraine was imprisoned for conspiring with the Count de
Bassigni to betray three strong towns to the King of France.
Interview with Prince Adolphus. Whitelocke visited Prince Adolphus, who also discoursed of his business, as
others did. Whitelocke told him of his long being here without any answer. The Prince said, the
Queen’s designs to introduce a 26 mutation might cause it. Whitelocke said he believed that the amity
of England deserved so much regard as to be embraced; and that it would be all one whether the treaty should
be agreed upon by the Queen or by her successor, for it concerned the people and State of both nations; and he
presumed that if the Queen should consent to it, that his Highness’s brother would have the like good
opinion of it. The Prince said it would be most agreeable to his brother, who very much respected the English
nation, as generally the Swedish people did. He said that he never was present at the Council, nor did meddle
with any public business; but he doubted not but that Whitelocke would receive contentment. Whitelocke said
he promised himself so much, being the Protector had sent him hither to testify his respects to the Queen and
to the kingdom of Sweden, and to offer them the amity of England.
The Prince also discoursed of the late King of England, and of the proceedings between him and the
Parliament, with great dislike thereof; to which Whitelocke gave him an account, and a modest answer
declining that argument with the Prince, and telling him that every nation had their particular rights and laws,
according to which they were governed. He testified great respect to Whitelocke; and when he took his leave
the Prince conducted him as far as the great court, which he used not to do to others of Whitelocke’s
quality.
March 12, 1653.

The treaty delayed by reason of the Queen’s abdication. Mr. Bloome—who had been formerly a
servant to the old Duke of Buckingham in England, and after that coming to Sweden, was entertained by the
Chancellor, 27 and his great creature, and had been employed by him as a public minister—did the
honour to Whitelocke to be often with him, and now, after dinner, discoursed much of the revolution which
was likely to happen in this country by the Queen’s resignation; upon which subject Whitelocke
thought not fit to speak much in company.
Afterwards in private Whitelocke asked Mr. Bloome if he had heard the Chancellor speak of deferring his
business till the Prince were crowned. Bloome confessed he heard the Chancellor say that he thought it would
be more convenient to have Whitelocke’s business resolved after the King should be crowned than at
present. Whitelocke told him (which he supposed Bloome would again relate to the Chancellor) that all acts of
such nature concluded by the Queen before her resignation would be held authentic by her successor. Bloome
said he believed so, but, being the change would be so soon, he thought it might be better to have the business
put into the hands of the new King. Whitelocke said it would require a long time to expect the new
King’s settlement, before which he believed his return home might be commanded. Bloome said the
business would be soon done after the meeting of the Ricksdag, which did not use to sit long. By this and
other discourses Whitelocke found that there was a purpose in some to defer the conclusion of his treaty to the
King, which he therefore prepared to prevent.
La Belle Comtesse made a great entertainment and ball for Montecuculi and the rest of the gallants this night,
though it were the Lord’s Day; but Whitelocke nor none of his company were present at it.
March 11, 1653. 13

28 March 13, 1653.

Whitelocke confers with Count Eric Oxenstiern on the articles. Grave Eric came to Whitelocke to confer
about his treaty, and said to him.
Grave Eric. The Queen hath commanded me to come to you and to have some conference with you about
your proposals, wherein she is pleased to make use of my service, because at this time my father is very ill of
an ague, and is not able himself to meet with you; and his former indisposition of health and extraordinary
affairs hath been some occasion of hindrance of the despatch of your business, as have also the uncertainty of
the issue of your treaty with Holland, and our great business of the Queen’s intentions here.
Whitelocke. I have long expected some answer to be given in my business, the greatest part whereof hath no
dependence upon the treaty with Holland, and the Queen’s intentions here have been but lately made
known. I have been three months in this place without any answer to my business, although I presume that the
amity of England is grateful to this nation, and may merit the acceptance.
Gr. Eric. So is the friendship of Sweden.
Wh. My Lord Protector hath testified that by sending me hither.
Gr. Eric. The Queen hath likewise sent several public ministers to England, and Mr. Lagerfeldt was a long
time there without effecting anything.
Wh. He had answers to his proposals very often, and it was on his part that a conclusion was not had with him.
But if you please to proceed to a conference upon my proposals, I am ready to treat with 29 you, as I have
always been to treat with my Lord Chancellor, your father, for whose ill-health I am heartily sorry.
Gr. Eric. I am ready in the same way of secresy as it hath been carried with my father, so that Mr. Beningen in
his letters to his superiors saith that the English Ambassador did treat with none but the Queen alone, and
sometimes alone with the Chancellor, whereby he could not possibly give any account of those transactions;
for he thought that not one person in Sweden, except the Queen and the Chancellor, knew what they were.
Wh. The gentleman hath done me an honour in that expression.
Gr. Eric. My coming to your Excellence is to proceed in your business; and I desire a consideration may be
had of the great losses which the Queen’s subjects have sustained by the seizing and detaining of their
ships by the English.
Wh. This is a new objection, and I am neither empowered nor have ability to cast up such accounts or to take
such examinations; but there is a court of justice in England, which I presume has done, and will do, right to
any who have cause to complain; and I know that my Lord Protector will command that justice shall be done
to all the Queen’s subjects; and if any of them have received any injury, they ought to receive a just
satisfaction from the parties that did them wrong; and, if you please, I shall mention these things in my letters
to England, and when I come thither myself I will personally endeavour that the same may be had fully.
Gr. Eric. I hope a just satisfaction will be given 30 herein, without which there can be no solid foundation of
amity between the two nations and their people.
Wh. The same is reasonably and mutually to be expected; and I make no question but my Lord Protector will
order right to be done therein.
28 March 13, 1653. 14

Gr. Eric. The Queen’s subjects have received great losses under colour of contraband goods, when the
same hath not been proved.
Wh. And many of our allies have been found to colour our enemies’ goods to the damage of England;
but these matters will be proper for an examination elsewhere.
They proceeded to the particular articles.
1. This, Eric said, was equal.
2. He made the same objections as the Queen had done, and Whitelocke gave the same answers; and Eric said
that this article depended upon our treaty with the Dutch.
3. Eric desired an explanation of the words “omnibus in locis quibus hactenus commercium
exercebatur,”—whether that were not intended to include the English plantations in America,
because traffic thither, without special license, was prohibited by our Commonwealth; and he said it would be
unequal for the English to have the full traffic in the Queen’s dominions, and her subjects not to have
the like in our Commonwealth. Whitelocke answered, that the English desired no traffic in any of the
Queen’s dominions out of Europe, and therefore it was equal not to consent to their traffic in America;
and that the opinion of the Council of State in England had been made known to Mr. Lagerfeldt in England, in
this point; which paper Whitelocke then showed, and the Grave 31 urged many other arguments, but
Whitelocke kept himself to the paper of the Council.
Eric said, those transactions of Lagerfeldt were remitted to Whitelocke’s Embassy. Whitelocke said,
that whatever his instructions might warrant, yet it would not become him to do anything contrary to that
wherein the Council of State had declared their judgement. The same answer Whitelocke gave him concerning
the herring-fishing, which Eric much insisted upon; and as to the pre-emption of the commodities of Sweden,
mentioned in the Council’s paper, which Whitelocke showed him, Eric said that could not be, because
those commodities were of very great value, and belonged to several private persons; and he demanded of
Whitelocke if he thought England would be contented to give a pre-emption of all their cloth.
Whitelocke said, the cloth of England was likewise of very great value, and there would hardly be found one
stock to buy it all, and there were several staples in other countries to vent it at; and he said he thought the best
way would be, first to agree upon the general amity and commerce between the two nations, and afterwards, if
Sweden held it fit, when they sent an ambassador to England, or otherwise, to propound anything concerning
the fishing for herrings or the traffic in America, or touching a staple at Narva, Revel, or Gothenburg (which
Eric likewise discoursed of at large), that the Protector would give a fair and just answer.
4. Eric made the same objections that the Queen had done, and had the same answers.
5. The like discourse was upon this article.
6. The sixth, Eric said, was the same in effect with 32 the fourth article, and might be adjoined to it.
Whitelocke showed him the difference, chiefly in the beginning of this article; and so they passed on.
7. They had many arguments touching contraband goods, wherein Whitelocke held himself to the paper given
by the Council to Lagerfeldt; and Eric passed it over, as depending upon the success of the treaty with
Holland, especially in the words “bona à suis cujusque inimicis direpta.”
8. This, Eric thought, would need explanation of the words “in quolibet suorum marium.”
Whitelocke told him that was intended in Europe only.
28 March 13, 1653. 15

9. Eric said the words “armatis vel inermibus” were not necessary, because by the law of
Sweden any might carry their arms with them. Whitelocke told him that it was not permitted in England for so
many together without license.
10. Eric made no objection to this article.
11. Nor any to this article.
12. Nor was anything objected to this article.
13. Eric said the proviso needed explanation as to the point of breaking bulk, as the Queen had objected; and
Whitelocke gave the same answer.
14. The like objections and answers as before, and consent to the like amendment.
Eric and much other good company dined with Whitelocke, and after dinner they had further discourse on the
same subject. And Eric promised to give his objections to Whitelocke in writing, and to let him know the
Queen’s pleasure upon their conference; which Whitelocke intended to know also from the Queen
herself.
The company being gone, Whitelocke visited Piementelle, 33 who discoursed much touching the Duke of
Lorraine, and of the insolencies of his soldiers, for which the Duke would give no right; but if a poor
countryman complained to him, that his wife had been ravished by his soldiers, and his goods taken away, the
Duke would laugh at the poor man, and say to him, “It is my condition: the King of France hath
ravished my wife and my estate, and I have got another wife, and maintain myself with the goods of others;
and I advise thee to do the same as I have done.” Piementelle informed Whitelocke of a carriage of
Beningen of much more incivility towards the Queen than that which he attributed to Whitelocke towards
Prince Adolphus; and Whitelocke imparted to Piementelle some passages between Grave Eric and
Whitelocke, supposing he would tell it to the Queen.
March 14, 1653.

Interview with General Wrangel. Four of the Queen’s servants did Whitelocke the honour to dine with
him; and after they were gone, Whitelocke visited the Field-Marshal Wrangel, a gentleman of an ancient
noble family in this country, son to General Wrangel, of whom so often and so honourable mention is made in
the German wars under Gustavus Adolphus, the Queen’s father.
This Field-Marshal was about thirty-five years of age; his person proper and burly, his countenance martial
and ingenuous, and his discourse answerable; his behaviour courteous, and full of cheerfulness in his words
and actions. His education was liberal; some time he had spent in foreign parts, and had attained languages
and the military part of learning. He was 34 full of knowledge of the mathematics, and well read in story. His
genius led him most to warfare, and the sea affairs seemed most suitable to his affections; whereof he would
much discourse with Whitelocke, and admired his relations of the English fleets and havens. His valour and
conduct had commonly the best associate, good success, which he used to improve, not parting with the least
advantage. This brought him to the favour of his Queen and honour of his country, wherein he was a
Ricks-Senator, and as a Field-Marshal commanded the army, and was Ricks-Vice-Admiral, which charge he
attained in the late war with Denmark; and he it was that took the King of Denmark’s ships in the late
fight with them. Whitelocke gave him thanks for his favours to Whitelocke’s son at Stockholm; they
discoursed of the English navy, whereof Wrangel knew many of the ships by name. He told Whitelocke that
Middleton was arrived in Scotland with two hundred officers and six thousand arms, which he brought from
March 14, 1653. 16

the Low Countries.
From Wrangel Whitelocke went to visit Woolfeldt, to congratulate his recovery of health. He told Whitelocke
that, by letters which he received from one of his servants in the Low Countries, he was advertised that the
States had sold above twenty of their ships of war, and that his servant heard the Admiral de Witt speak of it.
He also told Whitelocke that he had spoken with many officers of the army, and found all of them wish that
the war between England and Holland might continue; by which they hoped they should join with the English,
and gain advantage by it, and themselves good employment and plunder. But he said that the Chancellor and
his sons, and 35 their party, desired that a peace might be between the two Commonwealths, because they
were rich enough, and had an interest in trade, and were no soldiers; and that the Queen desired peace among
all her neighbours, and although she was very courageous, yet she loved not the wars.
March 15, 1653.

Further conference with the Queen. Whitelocke waited on the Queen, and gave her an account of the
conference between Grave Eric and him. The Queen said that Grave Eric had told her the same things.
Whitelocke replied, that her Majesty should never find other than truth from him. Upon the point of damages
she seemed satisfied, though she were informed that those matters were remitted to Whitelocke’s
negotiation. To which he answered as he had done before to Eric; and she was contented, and said she would
send an ambassador to England, by whom the affairs touching the herring-fishing and the erection of a staple
and the trade in America might be concluded; and she told Whitelocke that she had ordered those things
which she judged fit to be added to his articles, to be written down and given to him.
She asked Whitelocke by what way he purposed to return to England. He said he was doubtful of going by
land, and thought the passage from Stockholm to Lübeck would be the shortest and most convenient for him.
She replied, that would be his best way, and that she would give order for some of her ships to be ready to
transport him; for which Whitelocke thanked her Majesty.
36 She discoursed much of England, and asked many questions about the Thames and other rivers of England,
and of their havens and armies; whereof Whitelocke gave her a full account. She asked him in how many days
one might go from Plymouth to St. Sebastian, and many other things on that subject. They also discoursed of
religion and the worship and service of God; wherein Whitelocke spake plainly and freely to her Majesty, and
told her that those who made a mock at religion, and were Atheists in their opinion, were not only most
miserable in their own condition, but brought others likewise into misery; and all of them would find that God
would not be mocked, nor such conversation be excused, but would be brought into a sad account in the end;
and that there was no foundation in any such people, or in their opinions, but what was sandy and would fail,
and all building thereupon would totter and fall down and become rubbish; that the only solid comfort and
true wisdom lay in the sincere worship and service of God, which was not only agreeable to the doctrine of
truth, but to reason itself. To this, and much of the like discourse, the Queen was very attentive, and seemed
pleased with it.
March 16, 1653.

Despatches from England. Whitelocke received his letters from England, and in those from Thurloe he writes
thus:—
“The particular account your Excellence gives of your negotiation is very acceptable here, as is also
your dexterous management thereof. The paper you were pleased to send to me shall be represented to the
Council; and your Excellence 37 may be assured that a due care will be taken of that business, as well for
justice’ sake as that your present business be not hindered by things of this kind. The bales of the
March 15, 1653. 17

Queen’s goods shall also be taken care of, and any omissions which have been therein rectified; and I
do assure your Excellence that the Queen’s Commissary here hath such speedy and effectual
despatches in everything he makes application for, that I know he cannot but give notice of it to the
Queen.”
Then he gives in his letters a full relation of the state of the Dutch treaty, and all particulars of it, and the
likelihood of its taking effect; and gives intelligence of the French news; and sends copies of
Beningen’s letters from Upsal to the States, and of the posture of affairs in England, Scotland, and
Ireland: and concludes,—
“Therefore, with my humble thanks for your Excellence’s favour to me of your weekly letters,
and hearty wishes for your safe and honourable return to your friends and relations here, I rest,
“Your Excellence’s most humble and faithful servant,
Jo. Thurloe.
“February 16, 1653.”
Whitelocke received many letters from his private friends, his brothers-in-law, Mr. Hall, Mr. Cokaine, Mr.
Eltonhead, Sir Charles Woolsey, Colonel Sydenham, and one from Mr. Selden, which for the extraordinary
respect thereof, and the person’s sake (of whom the Queen made often inquiry), is fit to be
remembered, and was thus:—
Letter from Selden. “To his Excellence the Lord Whitelocke, Lord Ambassador to her Most Excellent
Majesty of Sweden.
“May it please your Excellence,
“There is nothing happens here that can be worthy of 38 your knowledge but you meet with it
doubtless long before I could send it,—indeed, I think, long before I know it,—so that I cannot
present you with any English news: my still keeping in from the open cold air makes me a mere winter
stranger in my own country. The best news I have heard since I had the honour to see you, and that which
brought me with it an ample store of gladness, was the assurance of your Excellence’s safety, which a
false rumour with great confidence had utterly destroyed here. There is none living can with more hearty
affection wish all happiness to you, and good success in your great employment there, and a safe and timely
return, than doth most really,
“Your Excellence’s most obliged
“and most humble servant,
“J. Selden.
“Whitefriars, February 10, 1653.”
The occasion of that passage in his letter of a false rumour was news brought into England that Whitelocke
was stabbed and murdered in Sweden; and thus his death was with much confidence reported from several
hands, and from divers intelligences out of several parts of Christendom. Whitelocke’s friends were
much startled at this news, and the more because of former intelligences of designs of that nature against him,
whereof they wrote him word; and he was glad to read the news, and that, through the goodness of God, he
March 16, 1653. 18

was able to confute those reports. They were kept from Whitelocke’s wife by the care of his friends,
till one in gladness came to give her joy that the ill news of her husband was not true; which brought the
whole matter to her knowledge, and herself to great perplexity upon the sudden apprehension and fright of it,
though there was no truth in it.
Whitelocke, that he might not seem wholly to neglect 39 the Queen’s favour, had sent a packet of his
letters which had no secrets unto Monsieur Bonele, the Queen’s Commissary in England, who wrote
back an account to Whitelocke of his care of them, and of the command he had received from the Queen so to
do, and prayed Whitelocke to speak to the Queen on Bonele’s behalf.
March 17, 1653.

Prince Adolphus visits Whitelocke. Prince Adolphus visited Whitelocke, and they discoursed much of
England and of Whitelocke’s business; whom the Prince persuaded to stay in patience for an answer,
and he doubted not but that he would receive satisfaction. Whitelocke said that hitherto he had been very
patient, and would continue so, and not importune anybody to speed his answer, being it concerned both
nations; and he believed that Sweden would be as well disposed to entertain the amity of England as England
had been in the offer of it. But Whitelocke thought fit to inform the Prince and some others that he thought his
residence here would not be long, and that as soon as my Lord Protector should send his letter for his return to
England (which he expected in a short time), he would presently take his journey. They discoursed also
touching his brother, who was to succeed, and of the brotherly affection between them; as also of the proposal
which had been heretofore made in the Ricksdag of the Queen to marry his Royal Highness, and the
Council’s advice and endeavours to further the same; and how it was not brought to pass, the Queen
being wholly adverse to marriage, but causing the succession of the Prince Palatine to be enacted by the
Ricksdag after her 40 Majesty, if she had no children. And in these particulars the Prince was free in his
discourse, but Whitelocke thought not fit for him to be so.
Letter of Jonathan Pickes. Whitelocke communicated to some of his company a letter which he received from
a member of a congregation in London, which was thus:—
“For his Excellence the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke at Sweden.
“My Lord,
“The wise and holy carriage of Solomon before the Queen of Sheba are more lasting monuments of his
praise than his targets of gold, or magnificent temple. The glory of saints is a glorious name, by which, though
dead, yet they speak. God will not be ungrateful, nor unfaithful to forget or not to recompense any labour of
love. The interest of Christ,—what greater jewel in the world! and yet how little liked and loved by the
world! All seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. The best, the noblest, the most lasting, yet not
minded: our own things, poor, low, uncertain, unsatisfactory, yet pursued. The heart runneth after the wedge
of gold, and the mind seeks for greatness. Give me honour, or else I die: a crown here is more desired than
heaven hereafter. Divine love hath great danger accompanying it, but the recompense is answerable:
‘Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.’ Learned Paul counts all things
but dung and dross to holy Christ; and Moses esteemed reproaches for Christ, and afflictions with the people
of Christ, greater riches than the treasures of Egypt or the honours at Court. And now, Sir, will you have the
meaning of all? It is only a Christian motive to you to eye the highest Lord and the best interest with the
greatest industry; that his honour, which is best of all, be dearer to you than all country honour: life, world, are
not to be named in the day of his glory. Oh mind him who will not forget you in the least! There’s
none in heaven like him: can there be anything on earth 41 compared to him? Two things are chiefly to be
minded in all actings,—the springs from whence, and the centre to which, all moves. If love to God be
March 17, 1653. 19

the spring of all, and glory for God the centre of all, then the heart is upright in all. Remember the blessed
sound, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a little, but thou shalt be
enjoyer of much; enter into thy Lord’s joy.’ And truly, Sir, you have been not a little in my
thoughts to God for you; so hath it emboldened me thus to speak to God for you. My soul and many more
have been set a-praising God on your behalf, for that noble Christian testimony and dislike of that wicked
custom of cup-health pledging; whereas a Christian’s health is God, and his cup salvation. And blessed
be the Lord, that did give you to dislike the ball of pleasure, and that the Lord of that day was so precious. Go
on nobly for the Lord; give your testimony against the wicked customs of a strange country or dying world;
bear his image in all your transactions, and follow his steps who was the most glorious Ambassador that ever
was; and in this motion the Lord fill your sails with his gales, make you holily successful, and give you to see
your land and relations full of heavenly fruition, is the humble and hearty desire of one of the least sons of
Zion, ready to serve the Lord in you or yours.
“Jonathan Pickes.”
March 18, 1653.

Doctor Whistler made a copy of Latin verses upon the Queen’s abdication, which, for the ingenuity
and fancy, were worthy the sight of a Prince; and Whitelocke sent them to the Queen, who was much taken
with them. Whitelocke was so pleased with those verses that, having a little leisure, himself turned them into
English.41
42 Whitelocke having sent to know if the Queen were at leisure that he might wait upon her, she returned an
excuse that she was not well: she came away sick from the public schools, where she had been to grace the
disputations of a young Swedish Baron with her presence.
Effect of the peace with Holland. Senator Bundt visited Whitelocke, and discoursed with him in English,
which he spake indifferently well, and was the only Swede he conversed with in that language. Part of their
discourse was to this effect:—
Bundt. Mr. Beningen, the Holland Resident in this Court, acquainted me that his superiors have concluded the
agreement with England: only some provinces desire a more express inclusion of the King of Denmark than is
yet contained in the articles; and they are much troubled that, being upon the conclusion of the treaty, you
make so great preparations of war, and have so powerful a fleet at sea; and we here do much wonder what
should be your design to have so strong a fleet, and so soon out at sea.
Wh. The design is for the defence of the Commonwealth; and it is our custom not to trust to the success of any
treaties, which is uncertain, but to prepare for all events. If the treaty be agreed, it will be religiously observed
on our part, and the navy will be employed to scour the seas of pirates and enemies, that trade may be free and
safe; and we always use in time of peace to have a fleet at sea; and if the war continue, we shall be the more
ready, by the blessing of God, to maintain our right. But what suspicion have you here of our navy?
Bundt. We suppose it may be employed to open the 43 passage of the Sound, and make the trade and
navigation there free.
Wh. The hindrance of navigation there is more prejudicial to Sweden than to England. We can have our
commodities at Gothenburg and in other places, without passing the Baltic Sea.
Bundt. Many amongst us know not what to think of your fleet, and it troubles some.
March 18, 1653. 20

Wh. I hope we shall be in nearer amity, and then you will be pleased at it. Have the Senators consulted about
the matters of my treaty, or of remitting it to the new King?
Bundt. We have not advised any such thing, but believe the best way for effecting your business will be by the
Queen herself; and if any tell you the contrary, they are much mistaken in the affairs of this kingdom, and do
not give you a right understanding of them.
This being wholly contrary to what was informed by Monsieur Bloome, the Chancellor’s creature,
caused Whitelocke the more to mind it, and endeavour to obviate that prejudice of delay to his business; and
finding by this discourse with Bundt how much the Dutch Resident and others here were amused at the
English fleet now at sea, he made use thereof, and gave advice of it to his superiors in England.
March 19, 1653.

Intrigues of the Dutch Resident against Whitelocke. Whitelocke sent to inquire of the Queen’s health;
and it being the Lord’s Day, she was in her chapel. Divers English and Scots of the town came to
Whitelocke’s house to hear sermons there; and among them 44 was Monsieur Ravius, who acquainted
Whitelocke that one of the Queen’s chaplains asked Ravius how long Whitelocke intended to stay in
Sweden. Ravius said he would shortly return to his own country. The chaplain replied, he did not believe that,
but he thought Whitelocke would stay here a long time, and that he durst not return to England because of the
displeasure of the Protector against him. And when he was answered that Whitelocke came hither not in the
posture of a man out of favour, and that the Protector since his accession to the Government had sent him new
credentials, and expressed much favour to him, and sent to be certified what respect the Queen gave him, the
chaplain replied that Whitelocke was sent hither purposely to be removed out of England, and because he had
been of the former Parliament; to which Ravius said, that many who were of the former Parliament were now
in public offices, as Whitelocke was.
There was cause to believe that this and many the like stories were feigned by the Holland Resident and other
enemies of the Commonwealth, to asperse Whitelocke and his business, and to give some obstruction to it; but
Whitelocke took little notice of such things, only he thanked Monsieur Ravius for his defence of Whitelocke
and of the truth.
It was also related to Whitelocke that the inauguration of his Royal Highness could not probably be performed
till the feast of St. John the Baptist, and that then nothing could be concluded in his business till the feast (as
they expressed it) of the Holy Archangel St. Michael next following, because it was fit to be remitted to the
Prince for his final agreement thereunto; and so the treaty must necessarily receive a deferring 45 till that
time, which, they said, would be best for Whitelocke’s affairs. Whitelocke told them that it would be
somewhat difficult to persuade him that such a delay of his business would be best; he was sufficiently
convinced of the contrary, and that such an obstruction would render his treaty wholly fruitless both to
England and Sweden, and that he hoped to be himself in England long before the time which they prefixed for
the beginning of his treaty with the new King; and that he daily expected the commands of the Protector
touching his return home, which he should readily and willingly obey, whether his treaty here should be
concluded or not. He spake the more to this effect, and the oftener, that the same might come to the ear of the
Chancellor and other senators.
March 20, 1653.

Peace signed between England and the United Provinces. Whitelocke visited Piementelle, who communicated
to him the news of the Duke of Lorraine, and that the United Provinces of the Netherlands had ratified the
articles with England. Whitelocke asked if Groningen had consented. He said yes, but with this restriction,
March 19, 1653. 21

that the Prince of Orange should be comprised in the treaty, which might yet cause some obstruction in it.
Whitelocke imparted to him some of his news, and imparted such passages of his conferences and business as
he desired might by him be related to the Queen.
Senator Schütt affects to be favourable to the treaty. Senator Schütt visited Whitelocke, and staid with him
above two hours. They discoursed of many things unnecessary to be remembered; some was thus:—
Schütt. I am sorry that the business of your treaty 46 goes on so slowly; but I hope you will excuse it, in
regard the Chancellor is not quick in despatches, and affects long deliberations in great matters.
Whitelocke. That is an argument of his prudence and well weighing of things before he come to a resolution;
and certainly he hath had sufficient time of deliberation in my business.
Sch. The Chancellor sometimes may take more time than is necessary for one business, and borrow it for
another; he knows the advantages of times and seasons, and how to improve them.
Wh. I have found it so; but methinks my business should have been so acceptable as to have prevented such
great delays.
Sch. Your negotiation as to the amity with England was in consideration with the Council here before your
arrival; and all of us agreed that it was more desirable than any other.
Wh. I believe it would be agreeable to you, who are persons of great experience, knowing the interest of your
own country, and how considerable the English nation is; and this caused a belief in me that I might promise
myself an answer to my proposals before my departure from hence.
Sch. The great affairs of this kingdom, and the change likely to happen, have put a stop to all other business;
and in case your negotiation cannot be brought to a conclusion during your stay here, yet it may be agreed
upon afterwards by an ambassador to be sent from hence to England.
Wh. My Lord Protector having testified so much respect to the Queen, as he hath done in sending me
Ambassador hither, for me, after four or five months’ 47 residence and negotiation in this place, to be
sent home again without any conclusion of my business, but the same to be remitted to the sending of an
ambassador from hence to England, would be no answer to the respect of the Protector in sending me hither.
Sch. The Parliament sent your Excellence hither, as I understood, and not the Protector.
Wh. My coming hither was at first by my Lord Protector’s desire, he being then General, and without
his earnest request to me I had not undertaken it; and since his access to the Government I have received new
credentials from him, by virtue whereof only I have negotiated, and am the first public Minister employed by
his Highness.
Sch. It is a very great respect which the Protector hath manifested to you, and by you to our Queen and nation,
and that which you say carries reason with it. I shall do all that possibly may lie in my power to testify my
respects and service to his Highness and Commonwealth of England, and to your Excellence their honourable
Ambassador.
Wh. You are pleased to express a great honour and esteem for my Lord Protector and for his servant, whereof
I shall not fail, by any service in my power, to make acknowledgment to your Excellence.
March 20, 1653. 22

There were many other compliments and discourses between them; and the Senator fell into a relation of
Russia, where he had been, and of the Great Duke’s bringing at one time into the field an army of
200,000 men, divided into three parties, whereof one part fell upon Poland, and had lately taken divers
considerable places in that kingdom; and much more he spake of this exploit, which is omitted.
48 March 21, 1653.

Senator Schütt’s duplicity. Whitelocke was somewhat surprised by the carriage of Senator Schütt to
him yesterday, and with his freedom of discourse, which showed him either to be a courtier and versed in the
art of simulation, or the reports made of him to Whitelocke to be untrue. Now he seemed clearly for the league
with England; before, he expressed himself against it; now he showed civility and respect to Whitelocke and
to his superiors; before, he spake disdainfully of them and their affairs.
But an ambassador must hear and see many things, and yet take no notice of them; must court an enemy to
become a friend, as he believed he had done to Schütt, who, after acquaintance between him and Whitelocke,
became very friendly. But Whitelocke held it requisite to keep at somewhat more distance with him than with
others, because he had been informed that there was not much of kindness between the Chancellor and this
gentleman, which was confirmed by discourse this day with Lagerfeldt.
Lagerfeldt. I entreat your Excellence’s excuse for my long absence, which hath been occasioned by an
employment lately bestowed on me by her Majesty, which takes up my time in the discharge of it.
Whitelocke. I do congratulate the honour and favour of the Queen towards you, in this part of a reward for
your good service in England, whereof I was a witness and have affirmed it to her Majesty. What is the office
she hath given you?
Lag. It is the Vice-President of the College of Trade.
49 Wh. I suppose the office is profitable as well as honourable.
Lag. A competent salary is annexed to the office, and with us no person doth serve in any office or public
employment, but he hath a salary for it from the State.
Wh. That is honourable, and for the advantage of the State. One of your Ricks-Senators was here with me
yesterday, and I had much discourse with him about my business.
Lag. Which of them was with your Excellence?
Wh. The Senator Schütt, whom I saw not before.
Lag. I wonder at his visit; did he express much respect to your Commonwealth?
Wh. As much as any I have met with.
Lag. I much wonder at it; but shall advise your Excellence not to depend much upon this gentleman, nor to be
over-free in your discourse with him; for he hath been under a cloud, and is very intimate with the Holland
Resident.
Wh. I thank you for your caution; but I have communicated nothing to him but what might be published.
48 March 21, 1653. 23

Lag. My Lord Eric Oxenstiern hath, by the Queen’s command, some papers touching your business to
be imparted to you.
Wh. Do you remember the effect of them?
Lag. They contain some explanation of the articles given in by your Excellence, and some additions offered to
them, but not much differing from those exhibited by you.
They had much discourse about these additions and explanations, whereof Whitelocke endeavoured to get as
much knowledge from Lagerfeldt as he could beforehand, 50 that he might be the better prepared to debate
upon them when they should be produced; and he declared his sense positively against some of them to
Lagerfeldt, which proved an advantage. Some of those additions mentioned by Lagerfeldt, being upon his
report to Grave Eric of Whitelocke’s judgement upon them, were left out of Grave Eric’s paper.
Further conference with Grave Eric Oxenstiern. In the afternoon Grave Eric came to Whitelocke, and they had
this discourse together:—
Gr. Eric. Here is a paper, which I shall read unto you, containing some matters wherein I desire your
consideration, being they relate to the treaty, as touching contraband goods; that there may be such a liberty,
that trade be not impeached, that prizes may not be brought into the ports of friends, nor enemies admitted
into the havens of the friends and allies of either nations; that the fishing for herrings and the trade in America
may be free for the Swedes, and that they may have satisfaction for the wrongs done to them by the English at
sea.
Whitelocke. Here is very much in these particulars to which I have formerly given my answer, and can give no
other. England hath had no reason to give a liberty of contraband goods when their enemies deny it, and it
were hard to forbid friends to bring prizes into the ports of friends, being no prejudice to the owner of the port,
but a discourtesy to the friend; neither is it reason to deny a friend to enter into my harbour because he is an
enemy to another that is my friend also, whose quarrel I am not bound to wed. For the liberty of
herring-fishing, it may be had from our Commonwealth upon reasonable conditions; and for the trade in
America, I am not instructed to assent 51 to anything therein, but I supposed it had been intended to send from
hence to the Protector about it. And for satisfaction of wrongs, I know none done by the English to the
Queen’s subjects, and imagined that her Majesty had been satisfied in these points.
Gr. Eric. I have order to acquaint you with these particulars, and to confer with you about them, being
esteemed by us just and reasonable.
Wh. After my attendance here three or four months without any answer to my proposals, I did not expect to
receive new ones from you so different from those which I gave in with equal respect to the good of both
nations; and I having offered the friendship of England to you in general, you answer that it will be accepted,
but upon particular and hard conditions.
Gr. Eric. I confess there hath been too much delay in your business, but it hath been occasioned by the
uncertainty of the issue of your treaty with Holland.
Wh. The issue of that treaty is not yet known, and the articles given in by me had no relation thereunto, and
were proposed three months since.
Gr. Eric. At present we take it for granted that the peace is concluded between you and Holland, and that now
you are good friends.
48 March 21, 1653. 24

Wh. I wish we may be so; and if that peace be concluded, there is the less need of your proposals touching
prizes, contraband goods, etc.
Gr. Eric. Though the peace be concluded between you, yet it is prudent to make those provisions, in case of a
new war with them or others.
Wh. I shall desire a copy of your particulars.
52 Gr. Eric. You shall have them; and I desire you to read this paper, which is an order of the Council of State
in England, delivered to Mr. Lagerfeldt when he was there, whereby these particulars are remitted to your
negotiation.
Wh. This paper bears date after my departure from England, and I never saw it before, nor received any
particular instructions on this subject.
Gr. Eric. If you are not satisfied touching the point of damages sustained by her Majesty’s subjects in
the taking of their ships and goods by the English, there may be witnesses examined here for proof thereof.
Wh. I cannot erect a Court or Commissioners, or consent to examination of witnesses, in this place and upon
this occasion; nor can I take accounts of merchants; I confess my ignorance.
Gr. Eric. It may be contained in the treaty that justice shall be done, and satisfaction given to my countrymen
for the wrongs done to them.
Wh. That cannot be so expressed without accusing our Commonwealth, and at least confessing wrongs done,
and implying that justice hath not been done; but I can assure you that the Commonwealth hath done, and will
do, justice to their friends and to all persons, and I shall do all that lies in my power for that end.
Gr. Eric. I shall inform the Queen what hath passed in our conference, and know her Majesty’s
pleasure therein.
March 22, 1653.

Monsieur Lyllicrone informed Whitelocke that 53 Prince Adolphus had taken a solemn leave of the Queen,
and was gone into the country. Whitelocke asked if it was upon any discontent; Lyllicrone said he knew not.
Whitelocke asked if he would not be at the Ricksdag; Lyllicrone said he believed the Prince did not intend to
be at it, but to travel incognito with a few servants into France and Italy.
The French advances resumed. The French Resident visited Whitelocke in the afternoon, and seeing his
coaches and horses ready to go abroad to take the air, offered, with many compliments, to bear Whitelocke
company, which he could not refuse. The Resident acquainted Whitelocke that Monsieur Bordeaux, now in
London, had received a commission from the King of France to be his Ambassador to the Protector, and that
Bordeaux had written to this gentleman here, to salute Whitelocke on his part, and to signify to him that
Bordeaux would be willing to entertain a correspondence with Whitelocke, and had expressed much affection
to his person. Whitelocke answered that he should be ready to testify all respect and service to Monsieur
Bordeaux, and desired the Resident to testify the same to him at his next opportunity. Lagerfeldt came to
Whitelocke, who had some trouble in discourse with them both together,—the Resident speaking only
French, and Lagerfeldt only Latin, and he must answer them in their respective languages.
March 22, 1653. 25

After the Resident was gone, Lagerfeldt discoursed with Whitelocke about the treaty, particularly of the new
proposals showed him by Grave Eric. Whitelocke gave the same answers to Lagerfeldt as he had done to Eric:
then Lagerfeldt said, that by command of the Queen, he was to tender to Whitelocke a copy 54 of articles.
Whitelocke asked if they were the same that Grave Eric yesterday imparted to him, and whether Lagerfeldt
had any speech with the Queen this day about them. Lagerfeldt said they were altered in some part, so as to
make them the more acceptable to Whitelocke, and that he had a few words with the Queen about them.
This caused Whitelocke to marvel that the Queen should pretend to him that she was sick, and therefore put
off the audience which he desired this day, and yet her Majesty found herself well enough to peruse and
debate with Lagerfeldt these articles; but he said nothing thereof to others, only made thereof his own
observations and use, as he saw occasion. Lagerfeldt and he perused these new articles, and had much
discourse upon them, and in effect the same as with Grave Eric.
Whitelocke’s amusements in his household. In the long winter-nights here, Whitelocke thought fit to
give way to some passages of diversion to please his people, and to keep them together in his house, and from
temptations to disorder and debauchery in going abroad, besides the danger of the streets in being late out. He
therefore had music, both instrumental and vocal, in concert, performed by those of his own family, who were
some of them excellent in that art, and himself sometimes bore his part with them. He also gave way to their
exercise and pleasure of dancing in his great chamber, that he might be present at it, and admitted no undecent
postures, but seemly properties of habits in their shows. He encouraged public disputations in Latin among the
young men who were scholars, himself present in the great chamber, and appointing a moderator; and this 55
exercise they found useful and pleasant, and improving their language. To this end likewise they had public
declamations in Latin, himself giving them the question, as “an quodcunque evenerit sit
optimum,” etc., so that his house was like an academy.
March 23, 1653.

Whitelocke again negotiates with the Queen. Whitelocke attended the Queen; and after some discourses of
pleasantries, they fell upon the treaty, and Whitelocke said to her:—
Whitelocke. My business, Madam, is now brought to a conclusion.
Queen. Is it to your liking?
Wh. Pardon me, Madam, if I say it is not at all to my liking; for in the articles which Grave Eric sent me there
were many particulars to which I could not agree, and I much wondered to receive such articles from him,
being persuaded that your Majesty was before satisfied by me in most of the particulars in them.
Qu. What are those particulars?
The articles Whitelocke had in readiness with him, and his observations upon them, having taken pains this
morning to compare their articles with his own, and to frame his objections upon them. The Queen wrote
down the objections with her own hand, and then entered into a debate with Whitelocke upon the whole, and
seemed to be satisfied in most of the points insisted on by Whitelocke; but was stiff upon the law relating to
ships of war which is mentioned in her eleventh article, and upon some other particulars. After the debate, she
desired that Whitelocke would the next morning bring to her his objections 56 in writing; and then she said,
“We will not be long before we come to a conclusion of this business.”
Whitelocke thought it convenient to make his addresses to the Queen herself, and, as much as he could, to
decline conferences with her Commissioner Grave Eric, whom he found more than others averse and cross to
March 23, 1653. 26

him in his treaty. And the Queen was pleased to admit Whitelocke to this way, and was not displeased to have
applications in this and other affairs of the like nature to be made upon her person; whereof Whitelocke had
private information before from Piementelle, Woolfeldt, and others, whose advice he pursued herein with
good success.
Her Majesty also permitted Whitelocke to have a free debate with her upon the points controverted, and would
return answers to every argument with as much reason and ingenuity as any of her Ministers of State, and be
sooner than they satisfied with what was reason. She told Whitelocke that she marvelled that he, having
received those long articles but late the last night, should be able to make objections, and to enter into a debate
upon all of them this day, when her people had much longer time to frame these articles. Whitelocke
answered, “Yes, by two or three months.” After some other discourse, Whitelocke left her in a
pleasant humour.
Being returned home, Lagerfeldt came again to him to sift him, and to know what answer the Queen had
given to his objections upon the new articles. But Whitelocke fitted his inquiry, and thought not convenient to
communicate to him more than what might advantage his business to be reported to Grave Eric; and because,
in all conferences with the Queen, 57 no person was admitted to be present with them, not her own
Commissioners for the treaty, or any of the Senators, for the secresy of the business, which was much to the
liking of Whitelocke, and furtherance of the treaty. They had much discourse upon the new articles, to the
same effect as formerly; and Lagerfeldt said he doubted not but the Queen would in a short time conclude it to
Whitelocke’s satisfaction.
After this discourse Whitelocke inquired of Lagerfeldt how the Chancellor’s health was, and what
physicians were about him. Lagerfeldt said he was still sick of his ague, and had no physician attending him
but one who had been a chirurgeon in the army, and now constantly lived in the house with the Chancellor as
a humble friend, sat at his table, and had a pension from him of four hundred rix-dollars a year; who had some
good receipts, especially for the stone, which agreed with the Chancellor’s constitution, which this
chirurgeon only studied and attended. And so it was generally in this great and large country. Whitelocke met
with no doctor of physic or professed physician in any town or country, not any attending the person of the
Queen herself; but there are many good women, and some private persons, who use to help people that are
diseased by some ordinary known medicines; and their diseases are but few, their remedies generally
communicated, and they live many of them to a great age.
Letters and despatches from England. Whitelocke received letters from England, which were always
welcome, especially bringing the good news of the welfare of his relations. He received very respectful letters
from the Earl of Clare, Sir Charles Woolsey, Colonel Sydenham, the Master of the Rolls, 58 Mr. Reynolds,
Lord Commissioner Lisle, and divers others, besides his usual letters from his wife, Mr. Hall, Mr. Cokaine,
his brothers-in-law, and divers other friends. In those from Thurloe he had the particular passages of the
Dutch treaty, and that he believed the peace with them would be concluded; and in those letters Thurloe also
writes thus:—
“Your Excellence’s of the 27th of January I communicated to his Highness and to the Council,
who, although they do not by this transaction of the Queen very well understand her intentions as to the peace,
yet they are very much satisfied with the management thereof on your part, and commit the issue thereof unto
the Lord, who will either bless your endeavours by bringing things to a desired issue, or otherwise dispose of
this affair to the glory of God, the good of the Commonwealth, and the comfort of yourself who are employed
in it.
“The Council, upon consideration of the whole matter, did not find it necessary to give you any further
directions, nor did his Highness, especially seeing his last letters but one did express his sense upon that
treaty, and nothing hath occurred since which hath given any cause of alteration.
March 23, 1653. 27

“The French King and Cardinal, seeing themselves disappointed at the Hague as to their inclusion in
that treaty, endeavour to effect it here; and to that purpose the Cardinal sent hither one Monsieur Le Baas to
congratulate his Highness, and to assure him of the friendship of the King; and that, if he pleased, the King
would banish Charles Stuart and his family out of his dominions, and proclaim the Protector in France; and
hath since sent a Commissioner to Monsieur Bordeaux to be Ambassador.
“The Spanish Ambassador doth also very much court his Highness and the present Government. Don
Francisco Romero, Captain of the Guard to the Archduke, arrived here the last night, to congratulate his
Highness in the Duke’s name.
59 “I have moved the Council in the two papers your Excellence trusted to my care. What order the
Council hath been pleased to make thereupon you will see by their enclosed order, and my care shall not be
wanting to see an effectual execution thereof.
“Your Excellence’s humble and faithful servant,
“Jo. Thurloe.
“24th February, 1653.”
The Council’s Order was this:—
“At the Council Chamber, Whitehall.
“Friday, 24th of February, 1653.
Order in Council on the Swedish prizes. “On consideration of several papers which came enclosed in a
letter from the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke, and were this day presented to the Council, containing some
complaints made by divers of the subjects of her Majesty of Sweden, viz. concerning a Swedish galliot called
the ‘Land of Promise,’ and a ship called the ‘Castle of Stockholm,’ and certain
goods taken out of the ‘Gold Star’ of Hamburg, and claimed as belonging to Alexander
Ceccony, gentleman, principal officer of the Queen’s wardrobe: Ordered, That several copies of the
said papers be forthwith sent to the Judges of the Court of Admiralty and to the Commissioners for Prize
Goods, to whom it is respectively referred, diligently to inform themselves of the true state of the said ship
and goods, and what proceedings have been had in the Court of Admiralty or Prize Office touching the same
or any of them, and thereof to make report to the Council. And it is especially recommended and given in
charge to the said Judges that both in these and in all matters concerning the said Queen or her subjects, which
do or shall depend before them, all right and fair respect be given upon all occasions; and that whatsoever of
the said goods belonging to her Majesty’s servant they shall discover, be by them ordered to be
forthwith delivered.
“Exr W. Jessop,
“Clerk of the Council.”
60 This Order Whitelocke caused to be translated into Latin, and sent copies of it to the Chancellor, to Grave
Eric, to Mr. Ceccony, and to others; and he showed it to the Queen, and all were pleased with it, hoping for
further fruit of it, and esteeming Whitelocke to be in good credit with his superiors.
March 23, 1653. 28

March 24, 1653.

Reports of the negotiation to England. Whitelocke made his despatches for England, and wrote above twenty
letters to several of his friends there, finding it grateful to them to receive letters from him at such a distance;
and that answers to letters are expected, and ill taken if neglected; that they cost little, and please much. He
was hindered by Woolfeldt, who made a long visit to him, though upon the post day; at which he wondered, in
regard Woolfeldt had been himself often employed as a public minister, and knew so well what belonged to
the making of despatches.
To recover his lost time, Whitelocke (as he often used when business pressed him) wrote one letter himself
and dictated two others to his secretaries at the same time, and so, in effect, wrote three letters at once. The
letter which he now wrote to Secretary Thurloe contained his whole transactions since his last letters to him;
and the conclusion of the letter, showing the state of his negotiation, was this:—
“This afternoon Grave Eric came to me from the Queen, who desired that my audience, appointed this
day, might be put off till the holidays were past, and said that by reason of the sacrament upon Easter Day,
this day and tomorrow were to be spent in preparation thereunto; but he 61 told me that she commanded him
to receive my objections to his articles in writing, the which I gave him according to that large paper which
you will receive herewith. We had very much debate upon the particulars, much of it according to what I have
mentioned before.
“I have thought fit to send you this large paper that you might see the whole business before you at one
view, and it hath cost me some pains. I shall continue my best endeavours to bring your business to a good
effect. I am put to struggle with more difficulties than I could expect, and their policy here is great. One may
soon be overtaken with long, intricate, and new proposals; but I hope God will direct me, whom I do seek, and
shall not wilfully transgress my instructions.
“When I speak with the Queen, she seems to be satisfied; and then some of the grandees seek to
persuade her to a contrary opinion, and to keep me from her, and lay objections in the way to cross it (for we
want no enemies here). I then endeavour again to satisfy the Queen, and break through their designs as well as
I can; to do which, and to get a good despatch against all opposition, and yet so as not to supplicate anything
from them, nor in the least to prostitute the honour of my Lord Protector and of the Commonwealth, or to
prejudice them, is a task hard enough for a great favourite, much more hard for a stranger, and whose differing
principles may render him the less acceptable. However, I shall hope that the Lord will direct me for the best,
whether they agree with my judgement or not.
“If I can conclude with them, I shall presently be upon my return, and hope within a week or two to
receive his Highness’s order to give me leave to come home. What I cannot consent to or obtain at
present, I presume they will be contented to have referred to a future agreement, wherein there can be no
prejudice (in my humble opinion) to your affairs.
“I ask your pardon for my tedious informations, wherein 62 I take no pleasure; but supposing the
business to require it, I presume you will excuse
“Your very affectionate friend to serve you,
“B. Whitelocke.
“Upsal, 24th March, 1653.”
March 24, 1653. 29

Most of the night was spent by Whitelocke in making his despatches for England; neither did he neglect any
one friend from whom he had received the favour and kindness of their letters to him here; by which civility
he obtained the more advice and intelligence from England, and made good use of it in this Court. His
constant letters from his wife and other private friends he also found of much comfort and advantage to him.
March 25, 1654.

New Year’s Day, Old Style. This day, by the Swedish computation as well as that of England, is the
first day of the year 1654.
Mr. Bloome came to Whitelocke with a compliment from the Chancellor, that he was sorry he could not visit
Whitelocke before his going out of town, because he was ill, and retired himself into the country, to be quit
from business and to recover his health; and at his return he would come to Whitelocke and confer with him.
This gentleman Whitelocke apprehended to be often sent to him as a spy, to inquire of his intentions, and
therefore he thought good to make use of him by telling such things to him as Whitelocke thought and wished
might be again reported by Bloome unto the Chancellor. Therefore, among other discourses, Whitelocke told
Bloome that France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, 63 and other princes and states,
had sent their public ministers to the Protector, desiring friendship with him; but his Highness having sent his
Ambassador into this kingdom, they had testified so little respect to him, that in three or four months’
time they had not vouchsafed to give him an answer to his proposals.
Mr. Symonds, an Englishman, excellent in his art of graving and taking off pictures in little, in wax, for which
he had regard in this Court and promises of money, this person often frequented Whitelocke, his countryman,
and his house, and after some time made a request to Whitelocke to speak to the Queen in his favour.
Whitelocke, knowing that ambassadors’ offices ought not to be cheap, told Symonds in a kind of
drollery that surely he could not expect such a courtesy from him, since, being an Englishman, he had not
acquainted the English Ambassador with any matter of consequence, nor done any service to his country,
since Whitelocke’s arrival here; that when he should deserve it, Whitelocke would be ready to do him
service.
March 26, 1654.

Whitelocke reproves the English for disorder on the Lord’s Day.} The Lord’s
Day.—Divers English and Scots came to the public duties of the day in Whitelocke’s house;
and amongst other discourse Whitelocke learnt from them that Waters, one of his trumpets, going late in the
evening to his lodging, was set upon by some drunkards with their swords, and wounded, whereof he
continued very ill. Whitelocke examined and reproved some of his company for disorders committed by them
on the Lord’s Day and other days, which he 64 told them he would not bear; and it was the worse in
their commitment of those crimes, and the less reason for them to expect a connivance thereat, because
Whitelocke had so often and so publicly inveighed against the profanation of that day in this place; but among
a hundred some will be always found base, vicious, and wicked.
March 27, 1654.

Festivities of Easter Monday. This being Easter Monday, some of Whitelocke’s people went to the
castle to hear the Queen’s music in her chapel, which they reported to Whitelocke to be very curious;
and that in the afternoon was appointed an ancient solemnity of running at the ring. Some Italians of the
Queen’s music dined with Whitelocke, and afterwards sang to him and presented him with a book of
March 25, 1654. 30

their songs, which, according to expectation, was not unrewarded.
Whitelocke went not abroad this festival-time to visit anybody, nor did any grandees come to visit him; he had
an imagination that they might be forbidden to do it, the rather because Piementelle and Woolfeldt, who were
accustomed to come often to him, had of late refrained to do it, and had not answered Whitelocke’s
last visit in ten days. The Queen had also excused her not admitting Whitelocke to have audiences, by saying
she was busy or sick, when, at the same time, Piementelle and others were admitted to her presence, and for
two or three hours together discoursed with her. This was resented and spoken of by Whitelocke so as it might
come to the Queen’s ear.
65 March 28, 1654.

The Swedes desire to defer the treaty until the new reign. After the master of the ceremonies had dined with
Whitelocke, and was in a good humour, he desired Whitelocke to withdraw from the rest of the strangers, and
that he might speak privately with him; and going into the bedchamber, the master told him that he had heard
from some that Whitelocke had expressed a discontent, and the master desired to know if any had given him
offence, or if there were anything wherein the master might do him service. Whitelocke said he apprehended
some occasion of discontent in that he had attended here near four months, and had not yet obtained any
answer to his proposals. The master excused the delay in regard of the Queen’s purpose of quitting the
Government. Whitelocke said he believed that occasioned much trouble to her Majesty, and which gave him
cause to doubt that his frequent visits of her Majesty might give her some inconvenience. He replied that
Whitelocke’s company was very agreeable to the Queen, though at present she was overcharged with
business.
Whitelocke. I do acknowledge the favours I have received from her Majesty, and your civilities to me, for
which I shall not be ungrateful.
Mast. Cer. Would it not be of advantage to your business to attend for the conclusion of it until the coronation
of our new King, to be assented to by him; by which means the alliance will be more firm than to have it done
by the Queen so near her quitting of the Government?
Wh. I shall hardly stay so long a time as till the beginning of the reign of your new King, nor have I 66 any
letters of credence or commission but to the Queen; and I believe that all acts done by her before her
resignation will be held good, and particularly this touching the friendship with England, which, I suppose,
will be also very agreeable to his Kingly Highness, and be inviolably observed by him.
Mast. Cer. I do not doubt but that the new King will observe the alliance which the Queen shall make with
England, but perhaps it might better be made with the new King himself; and although you have no letters of
credence to him, yet you may write into England and have them sent to you.
Wh. That will require more time than I have to stay in this place. I believe the new King will not be crowned
yet these two or three months; and it will be two months from this time before I can receive new credentials
from England, and two or three months after that before I can return home; by which account I shall be abroad
yet eight months longer, which will be till the next winter; and that would be too long a time for me to be
absent from my family and affairs in England.
Mast. Cer. I shall speak with the Queen in this business, and shortly return to you.
It was imagined by Whitelocke that the master of the ceremonies was purposely sent to him to sound him
touching the deferring of the treaty; and the like errand Mr. Bloome came to him about; and Whitelocke fully
March 27, 1654. 31

declared to them his distaste of any thought thereof, and the more at large and positively because he knew
what he said would be reported to the full to her Majesty and to the Chancellor.
67 March 29, 1654.

The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke from the Queen to excuse Whitelocke’s not having
had audiences when he desired them; which he said was because her Majesty had been so full of business,
which had hindered her, and particularly because of the holidays; but he said, if Whitelocke pleased to have
his audience tomorrow, the Queen would be glad to see him. Whitelocke desired the master to return his
thanks to her Majesty for her favours, and to let her know that he should be ready to attend her at such time as
she should appoint. The master said he would acquaint her Majesty herewith, and so went away in the midst
of dinner.
Lord Douglas visits Whitelocke. The Lord Douglas, a Scotsman, came to visit Whitelocke. He is an ancient
servant to this Crown; he was a page to King Gustavus Adolphus, and by him preferred to military command,
wherein he quitted himself so well that he was promoted to be General of the Horse, and was now a Baron and
Ricks-Stallmaster, or master of the horse, in Sweden. He excused himself that he had not oftener visited
Whitelocke, being hindered by his sickness of an ague, which had held him thirty weeks, and had not yet left
him. He said that the next day after his arrival here the Queen asked him if he had been to see the English
Ambassador, and that Whitelocke was much obliged to the Queen for her good opinion of him: whereof
Whitelocke said he had received many testimonies, and of her respects to the Protector and Commonwealth as
well as to their servant. Douglas said, that besides her respect to the Protector, she had a particular 68 respect
for Whitelocke; with much discourse of that nature.
Further excuses for delay. He then went to visit his old comrade Colonel Potley, who was ill and kept his
chamber. He fell upon the discourse that it would be convenient for Whitelocke to stay here till the coronation
of the new King, that the treaty might be concluded by him: to which the same answers were given by
Whitelocke as he had before given to the master of the ceremonies.
Whilst the Lord Douglas was in Whitelocke’s house, Grave Eric came to Whitelocke by command of
the Queen, to excuse the delay of his business, and that some of his audiences had been remitted. He said, her
Majesty had been informed by the master of the ceremonies that Whitelocke should say he had demanded
audiences three times, and could not obtain one. Whitelocke answered, that there was a little mistake therein,
though there was something near it, and said, it was not his desire to occasion trouble to her Majesty. Eric
answered, that the Queen desired Whitelocke would excuse her by reason of the holidays, during which time
they did not use in this country to treat of any business, and that the Queen had likewise many other
hindrances; but that whensoever it should please Whitelocke to come to her Majesty, he would be very
welcome. He said, he was going out of town to his father to conduct him hither, and that within a day or two
he would visit Whitelocke, and that his business would have a speedy despatch. Whitelocke wished him a
good journey, and that he and his father might have a safe and speedy return hither.
Piementelle sent to Whitelocke to move the Queen to grant her pardon to a Swede who had killed 69 another,
for which by the law he was to die; and Piementelle offered to second Whitelocke, if he would entreat the
Queen for her pardon to the homicide. Whitelocke desired to be excused herein, alleging that he, being a
public minister, it was not proper for him nor for Piementelle to interpose with her Majesty in a matter of this
nature, and particularly touching her own subjects, and in a matter of blood; but this denial Piementelle
seemed to take ill, and to be more strange to Whitelocke afterwards.
The holidays being past, Piementelle had his audience appointed this day to take his leave of the Queen.
Whitelocke sent his son James and some others of his gentlemen to be present at it, who reported to
65 March 28, 1654. 32

Whitelocke that Piementelle spake to the Queen in Spanish, and that she answered him in Swedish, which was
interpreted by Grave Tott; that Piementelle observed very much ceremony, and when he made his public
harangue to the Queen he grew very pale and trembled, which was strange for a man of his parts, and who had
been so frequent in his conversation with her Majesty. But some said it was a high compliment, acted by the
Spaniard to the life, to please the Queen, who took delight to be thought, by her majesty and presence, to put a
dread and daunting upon foreigners; which in a truth she was noted often to do when public ministers had
their audiences in solemnity with her Majesty.
March 30, 1654.

An interview with the Queen. One of the Queen’s lacqueys came to Whitelocke’s house in
dinner-time, to desire him, from the Queen, 70 to come to her at two o’clock. Whitelocke was a little
sensible of the quality of the messenger, and therefore himself would not speak with him, but sent his answer
by one of his servants, and accordingly waited on the Queen.
He was met at the guard-chamber by Grave Tott and divers of the Queen’s servants, with more
solemnity than ordinary, and presently brought to the Queen. After her excuse of his not having had audiences
she fell into discourse of his business. Whitelocke presented to her a form of articles, according to his own
observations upon those articles he had formerly given in, and upon those he received from Grave Eric.
Thereupon the Queen said to him, “You will not consent to any one of my articles, but insist upon all
your own.” Whitelocke showed her wherein he had consented to divers of her articles, and for what
reasons he could not agree to the rest. They had discourse upon the whole, to the same effect as hath been
before remembered.
The Queen told Whitelocke, that if those articles should not be concluded, that nevertheless the amity between
the two nations might be continued. Whitelocke answered, that it would be no great testimony of amity, nor
proof of respect to the Protector and Commonwealth, to send back their servant after so long attendance,
without effecting anything. The Queen said she would despatch his business within a few days, and, she
hoped, to his contentment. Whitelocke told her it was in her Majesty’s power to do it; that he could not
stay until the change whereof people discoursed, and that he had her Majesty’s promise for his
despatch, which he knew she would not break.
71 Then the Queen fell into other discourses, and in particular of poetry; which occasion Whitelocke took to
show her a copy of Latin verses made by an English gentleman, a friend of Whitelocke’s, and sent
over to him hither, and which he had now about him, and knew that such diversions were pleasing to the
Queen.71
72 At his leisure hours, Whitelocke turned these verses into English, which ran thus:—
“To the most Illustrious and most Excellent Lord, the Lord Whitelocke, Ambassador Extraordinary to
the Most Serene Queen of Sweden. An Ode.
Whitelocke, delight of Mars, the ornament

Of gownmen, from thy country being sent,
Tribunals languish; Themis sad is led,
Sighing under her mourning widow’s bed.
Without thee suitors in thick crowds do run,
Sowing perpetual strife, which once begun,
Till happy fate thee home again shall send,
Those sharp contentions will have no end.
67 March 29, 1654. 33

But through the snowy seas and northern ways,
When the remoter sun made shortest days,
O’er tops of craggy mountains, paths untrod,
Where untamed creatures only make abode,
Thy love to thy dear country hath thee brought,
Ambassador from England. Thou hast sought
The Swedish confines buried in frost,
Straight wilt thou see the French and Spanish coast;
And them fast bind to thy loved Britany
In a perpetual league of amity.
So wilt thou arbitrator be of Peace,
Her pious author; thou wilt cause to cease
The sound of war, our ears it shall not pierce;
Thou wilt be Chancellor of the universe.
Christina, that sweet nymph, no longer shall
Detain thee; be thou careful not to fall,
Prudent Ulysses, under those delights
To which the learned Circe thee invites.
Thy chaste Penelope doth call thee slow;
Thy friends call for thee home; and they do know
New embassies, affairs abroad, at home,
Require thy service,—stay till thou dost come.
Thou, Keeper of the Seal, dost take away
Foreign contentions; thou dost cause to stay
The wars of princes. Shut thou Janus’ gate,
Ambassador of peace to every state.”
The Queen was much delighted with these and other verses which Whitelocke showed her; read them 73 over
several times, and desired copies of them, which Whitelocke sent her; and in this good humour she wished
Whitelocke to leave with her a copy of his articles as he had now revised them, and to come to her again the
next day, when she would give him a further answer, and, she hoped, to his contentment.
Spain suspected of intriguing against the treaty. Woolfeldt visited Whitelocke, and excused his long absence
by reason of the holidays. He informed Whitelocke with much freedom, that it was against the interest of
Spain that England and Sweden should be in alliance together, and that Whitelocke’s negotiation had
been hindered by the Spanish Resident here, more than by any other. Whereunto Whitelocke said little
positively, but compared his words with the late carriage of Piementelle,—especially since Whitelocke
did not so heartily entertain the Queen’s motion (which probably Piementelle put her upon) to have the
Spaniard included in the league with England and Sweden, which Whitelocke was not empowered to treat
upon, and Whitelocke also remembered the deferring of his audiences lately desired.73 But these things he
was to keep to himself, and to court Woolfeldt, which he did, and Piementelle likewise, who came to visit
Whitelocke whilst Woolfeldt was with him, and made the same excuse as he had done for his long absence.
They had much general discourse, but nothing (as usually before) touching Whitelocke’s business.
Piementelle said he purposed to depart from Upsal within seven or eight days; that yesterday 74 he had taken
his leave of the Queen, and came in the next place to take his leave of Whitelocke, who gave him thanks for
this honour, and said he was sorry for the departure of Piementelle, whereby he should have a very great loss
in being deprived of the acceptable conversation of so honourable a friend.
Despatches from England complaining of delay. Whitelocke received many letters from England; in those
from Thurloe he saith:—
March 30, 1654. 34

“I am sorry your last letters give us no greater hopes of that which we so much long for, to wit, your
Excellence’s speedy return home; it seeming by them that the treaty was not much advanced since
your last before, notwithstanding the great care and diligence used by your Excellency for the promoting
thereof, as also the great acceptance you have with the Queen and Court, as is acknowledged by other public
ministers residing there. It is now more than probable they will expect the issue of the Dutch business before
they will come to any conclusion; as also to see what terms we are like to be upon with France, that so the
Queen may manage her treaty with England accordingly, which I suppose she may not be long ignorant of. In
the meantime his Highness thinks he is somewhat delayed on her part.”
Then Thurloe relates all the passages of the Dutch Ambassadors, and that, in effect, they had agreed to the
articles; of the endeavours of the French to have a league with the Protector, and no less of the Spaniard. And
he writes at large the news of the Archduke, as also that of Scotland and Ireland, and confutes the rumour of a
discontent in the army of the Protector.
In another letter from Thurloe of a later date, received by the same post, he saith thus:—
75 “His Highness understands by your Excellence’s last letters, that the treaty with the Queen
of Sweden will much depend upon the treaty with the Dutch here, and until the issue of that be known no
great matter is to be expected from your negotiation: concerning which, it being very probable that before the
next ordinary it will be seen what issue the Dutch treaty will be brought unto, his Highness will refer his
further directions to you till then; leaving it to your Excellence to proceed upon the former instructions as you
shall find it convenient, and for his service according as affairs now stand.”
The clause in this letter, of referring further directions till after the issue of the Dutch treaty, was some trouble
to Whitelocke’s thoughts, fearing it might delay his return home; but he laid hold upon the latter part
of this letter, whereby it is left to Whitelocke to proceed upon the former instructions as he should find it
convenient and for his Highness’s service; which, as it reposed a great trust in Whitelocke, so it gave
him warrant to conclude his treaty, and obliged him to the more care to perform that trust which they had so
fully put in him.
Claim on behalf of the Swedish ships in England. Mr. Bonnele representing to the Protector the losses which
the Swedes suffered by the ships of England, the Protector caused an answer thereunto to be returned, the
copy whereof was sent by Thurloe to Whitelocke, and was thus:—
“Whereas Mr. Bonnele, Resident of the Queen of Sweden, hath, by a paper of the 4th of March,
remonstrated to his Highness that several ships and goods belonging to the said Queen and her subjects are
taken at sea by the ships of this State, and brought into these parts, contrary to the declaration of the Council
of State, 1st April, 1653, whereby they did declare, that for preventing the present 76 obstruction of trade, all
ships truly belonging to the Queen or her subjects, of Sweden, that should bring with them certificates from
her said Majesty, or the chief magistrate of the place from whence they come, grounded upon the respective
oaths of the magistrates and loaders that the said ship and lading do belong bonâ fide to the said Queen or her
subjects, and to no stranger whatsoever, should and might freely pass without interruption or disturbance. His
Highness hath commanded that it be returned in answer to the said Resident, that although the said declaration
was to be in force for the space of three months, in which time a form of passport and certificates was to be
thought of for preventing fraud and collusion, yet no provision of that nature having been yet agreed upon,
and it being contrary to his intention that the goods and ships belonging to her said Majesty or subjects (with
whom he desires to conserve all good correspondence) should in the meantime suffer inconvenience or
prejudice by the ships of this State, hath renewed, as he doth hereby renew, the said declaration with respect to
the present treaty now on foot between the two nations, wherein some course may be provided for preventing
the said frauds.
March 30, 1654. 35

“And to the end there may be the better effect of this declaration, his Highness hath given order to the
Judges of the Admiralty that if any ships or goods be brought into these parts belonging to her Majesty or
subjects, that the producing of certificates according to the said declaration, in open Court and upon oath
made by them that do produce such certificates, that they are good and authentic, and obtained without fraud
or deceit, that the Judges shall thereupon (there being no proof before them to the contrary) discharge the said
ships or goods without further delay. Provided that such ships were not bound with contraband goods to the
ports or harbours of any of the United Provinces.
“For the herring-buss, there having been proceedings thereupon in the Court of Admiralty, and a
sentence of condemnation 77 given against her as belonging to the enemies of this State, his Highness does
not conceive that it can be expected from him to interpose in matters belonging to the decision of that Court;
besides, the law having in the ordinary course provided a remedy, by way of appeal, in case of wrong or
injustice done by that Court.
“For the goods of Mr. Alexander Cecconi, supposed to be taken by a ship belonging to this State,
orders have been given by the Council concerning them, and some return made upon those orders; and the
said Commissary may rest assured that speedy and effectual justice will be done in that particular.
“Jo. Thurloe.
“March 10th, 1653.”
These orders of the Council Whitelocke caused to be translated into Latin, that he might communicate them as
he saw occasion.
March 31, 1654.

Reports to England. Whitelocke despatched a great number of letters to his friends in England: in those to
Secretary Thurloe he gave a full account of all transactions of his negotiations and passages here since his last
letters.
This day, though the post-day, Woolfeldt again visited Whitelocke, to his no little interruption in his
despatches; yet from him Whitelocke learned many things in relation to Denmark, for the advantage of
England, and Woolfeldt testified great affection and respect to the Protector and Commonwealth. He was also
interrupted by his attendance upon the Queen, according to her appointment. The Chancellor came forth from
her as Whitelocke went in, and he told Whitelocke that the Queen, hearing of his being without, had sent to
desire him to come in to her. 78 Whitelocke read some of his news to the Queen, and the paper which the
Protector had caused to be given to her Commissary Bonnele at London; upon which Whitelocke took the
boldness a little to paraphrase, and her Majesty was well pleased with it. They fell into discourse of the treaty,
much to the same effect as formerly; but Whitelocke staid the less time with her Majesty, because he
presumed that the Chancellor and his son waited without to speak with her about his business. She promised
Whitelocke to send him an answer of his business the next day, and that one of her ships should be ready at
the Dollars (the mouth of the haven of Stockholm) to transport him to Lübeck when he should desire it; which
was acceptable to Whitelocke to think on, and he thanked her Majesty for it.
Thus was March passed over, full of trouble, yet nothing effected in his business.
41 [The Ambassador’s verses I have ventured to omit, as alike destitute of elegance, point, or metre.]
March 31, 1654. 36

71 “Ad Illustrissimum et Excellentissimum Dominum, Dominum Whitelocke, Legatum Angliæ
Extraordinarium apud Serenissimam Sueciæ Reginam. Ode.
“Vitloce, Martis deliciæ, decus

Gentis legatæ; te sine, languidum
Mœret tribunal, et cubili
In viduo Themis ingemiscit.
Denso cientes agmine cursitant,
Et sempiternas te sine consuunt
Lites, neque hic discordiarum
Finis erit, nisi tu revertas.
Sed te nivosum per mare, per vias
Septentrionum, per juga montium,
Inhospitales per recessus
Duxit amor patriæ decorus.
Legatus oras jam Sueonum vides
Bruma sepultas; mox quoque Galliam,
Hispaniam mox cum Britannis
Fœdere perpetuo ligabis.
Sic pacis author, sic pius arbiter
Gentes per omnes qua sonuit tuba
Dicere; cancellariusque
Orbis eris simul universi.
Christina, dulcis nympha, diutiùs
Ne te moretur: qui merito clues
Prudens Ulysses, sperne doctæ
Popula deliciasque Circes.
Te casta tentum Penelope vocat,
Vocant amici, teque aliæ vocant
Legationes, te requirunt
Ardua multa domi forisque.
Custos Sigilli tu dirimes cito
Pugnas forenses, bellaque principum
Legatus idem terminabis:
Tu (sera candida) claude fanum.”
73 [This change was probably the consequence of the negotiations then going on between Louis XIV. and
Cromwell in London, which had excited the jealousy of the Spanish Court, as is stated by Thurloe in the next
page.]
79 APRIL.
April 1, 1654.
A capital execution in Sweden. In the morning, in the market-place, near Whitelocke’s lodging, was an
execution of one adjudged to die for a murder. The offender was brought into the midst of the market-place,
which was open and spacious, and a great multitude of people spectators. The offender kneeled down upon
the ground, a great deal of sand being laid under and about him to soak up his blood, and a linen cloth was
bound about his eyes: he seemed not much terrified, but when the company sang a psalm, he sang with them,
holding up his hands together, and his body upright, his doublet off. He prayed also with the company, but
79 APRIL. 37
made no speech to them; nor did any other speak to the people. The executioner stood behind him, with a
great naked sword in his hand and a linen apron before him, and while the offender was praying the headsman
in an instant, at one back-blow, cut off his head, which fell down upon the sand; and some friends took it from
the executioner, and carried it away with the body to be buried. Presently after this execution was past, two
other offenders for smaller crimes were brought to the same place, to suffer the punishment of the law, 80
which they call running the gauntlet,—a usual punishment among soldiers.
Running the gauntlet. The people stood in length in the market-place about a hundred yards, leaving an open
space or lane between them of about five yards’ distance; then the offender, being naked to the waist,
was brought to one end of the lane or open place. The people had rods or switches of birch given to as many
as would take them; the offender was to run or go, as he pleased (and one of them walked but a Spanish pace),
from one end of the lane of people to the other, twice or thrice forward and backward; and all the way as he
went, the people who had the switches lashed the offender as he passed by them, harder or softer, as they
favoured him. These are the most usual ways of executions which they have for criminal offences, and they do
not execute men by hanging, which they say is only fit for dogs; but in cases of great robberies and murders
sometimes they execute justice by breaking the offenders upon the wheel, and leave the quarters of the body
upon it; some whereof were in the way as Whitelocke passed in his journey by the great wilderness.
Vestiges of the Scandinavian mythology. In the afternoon Senator Schütt came to Whitelocke and invited him
to take the air to see the town of old Upsal, about a mile off; and being there, Schütt showed him three great
mounts of earth, cast up by the hands of men, for monuments in memory of their ancient famous kings, whose
seat had been here, and the place of their coronation. These mounts had been dedicated to three of their Pagan
gods: the one to the god whom they call Teuo, who was Mars, and from him they have the name of the day of
the week Teuosdag, 81 which we call Tuesday, and the Germans Tuisconsdæg, and the Latins Dies Martis;
the second mount was dedicated to their god Woden, so they called Mercury, and from thence their day of the
week is named Wodensdag, which we also call Wednesday, the Germans Wodensdæg, and the Latins Dies
Mercurii; the third mount was dedicated to their goddess Freya, so they called Venus, and from thence comes
the name of their Friedsdag, which we call Friday, the Germans Frigdæg, and the Latins Dies Veneris.
There were also other relics of decayed mounts, which Whitelocke guessed to have been dedicated to their
other gods, from whom they gave the names of the other days of the week: as, to Thor, whom they called
Jupiter, and, from whence the day Thoresdag, which we call Thursday, the Germans say Thorsdæg, and the
Latins Dies Jovis; another mount dedicated to their god Setorn, from whence they call Setornsdag, as we say
Saturday, the Germans Sæternsdæg, and the Latins Dies Saturni; another mount dedicated to Sunnan, as they
call the Sun, and from thence that day Sunnandag, as we say Sunday, the Germans Sunnandæg, and the Latins
Dies Solis; the last mount dedicated to Monan, that is the Moon, and from thence the name of their
Monandag, which we call Monday, the Germans Monandæg, and the Latins Dies Lunæ.
The war between Muscovy and Poland. In discourse upon the way, Schütt informed Whitelocke of the matter
of the embassy from the Great Duke of Muscovia to the Queen of Sweden, which was to acquaint her Majesty
that the Great Duke had begun a war against the King of Poland, because in a letter of his to the Great Duke
he had omitted one of his great titles,—a heinous offence, and held by the 82 Great Duke a sufficient
ground of war, and of his resolution to sacrifice the blood of his fellow-Christians to satisfy his wicked pride.
Another ground of the war was because a certain Governor of a province in Poland, in a writing, had placed
the name of the father of the Great Duke before the name of the present Great Duke; which was so great an
indignity, that for the same the now Great Duke demanded of the King of Poland to have the head of that
Governor sent to him, and that not being done, was another cause of the begun war. To this the Queen
answered, that it did not appertain to her to give her opinion in a matter of this nature, whether she did
approve or disapprove of what was done by the Great Duke, but she did presume that the King of Poland
would therein give fitting satisfaction to the Great Duke; and that she did wish that there might be peace
between these two Princes and all the Princes of Christendom. And with this answer the Envoys of the Great
April 1, 1654. 38
Duke returned as wise as they came.
Denmark threatens Hamburg. Schütt also communicated unto Whitelocke an intelligence that the King of
Denmark had levied some forces which he designed against Hamburg,—pretending injuries done to
him by that city in relation to his pretensions of dominion there, which probably might occasion a war
between Denmark and that free city, which had strength and riches and people and wisdom to defend
themselves; and Schütt advised Whitelocke that if this should be so, that then he should take his voyage some
other way, and that it would be a great disturbance and danger to him to go by Hamburg and those quarters,
which would be infested with soldiers, and that then it would be his best way to return 83 by Gothenburg; but
he did persuade Whitelocke by all means to salute the Prince of Sweden by the way of his return. Whitelocke
said he thought it not probable that the King of Denmark would at this time engage in a war against Hamburg,
and that his levying of soldiers might breed a jealousy in the Crown of Sweden; that the certainty thereof
could not be long undiscovered, and accordingly he should govern his own resolutions; that it would be
difficult for him to stay in his journey to salute the Prince, but he much desired and intended it before his
departure.
April 2, 1654.
Although the Lord’s Day, yet the English and Scots who were in the town, and not of
Whitelocke’s family, went abroad to take the air, and did not resort, as they used to do, to
Whitelocke’s house to the exercises of divine worship, which were duly performed in his private
family; and after those sacra peracta, Whitelocke retired himself to his private studies and meditations upon
the word of truth. This day likewise the Queen went abroad to take the air, and passed through the town in her
coach, attended by many gentlemen and others in her train, to the ill example of her people, and after the bad
custom of this place.
April 3, 1654.
Whitelocke takes the air with the Queen. The Queen sent to Whitelocke to invite him to accompany her to
take the air.
By the way Whitelocke visited Woolfeldt, who had much discourse with him about the English fleet then at
sea. From him Whitelocke went to Court, and attended 84 the Queen in her coach to take the air. They had not
much discourse about his business, and he thought not fit to interrupt her Majesty’s pleasures with
serious discourses, but sought to delight her with matters of diversion and mirth. When they were come back
to the castle, the Queen said to Whitelocke:—
Queen. Tomorrow my Chancellor will present you with the articles drawn up by him, with some alterations
which I judge to be reasonable; and that shall be my final resolution about them.
Wh. Hath your Majesty commanded any mention in those new articles concerning contraband goods?
Qu. There is a specification of them.
Wh. Indeed, Madam, I can hardly consent to any alteration upon the subject of contraband goods, whilst the
edict of the Hollanders is in force thereupon.
Qu. After you have considered these new articles, we will speak together again about them.
April 2, 1654. 39
Then the Queen retired to her chamber, and Whitelocke being come home, the Secretary Canterstein came to
him from the Chancellor to excuse his not coming to visit Whitelocke, and said that, by the Queen’s
command, the Chancellor had sent a new copy of articles to Whitelocke. He presently read them, and had
much discourse with the secretary upon them, who said he did not doubt but that, after communication with
the Chancellor, Whitelocke would receive satisfaction.
April 4, 1654.
Whitelocke visited Piementelle, and they had this discourse:—
Piementelle. The Ambassador of Denmark did me 85 the honour to visit me, and we had much discourse
together about the English fleet now at sea; he told me that in it were ten thousand foot soldiers embarked for
the North, which would occasion great trouble to the King his master, if it should be so, which I
acknowledged.
Whitelocke. Your Excellence knows that I have not been at the Council of State in England for six months last
past, so that I know not the secret designs of my Lord Protector; but I believe it is no very difficult matter to
land men in Denmark.
Piem. What progress hath the French Ambassador made in the treaty between you and France?
Wh. If the Queen will be pleased to give my despatch, I hope to be upon the place before the treaty with the
French be concluded. I have somewhat to communicate to the Protector touching a treaty with Spain, which
your Lordship very well knows; and it would be to purpose that his Highness should know it before the
conclusion of a treaty between England and France.85
Piem. I am assured that the Queen will despatch you in good time. But I advise your Excellence in your return
not to pass by Denmark, for it is ill trusting of that King; but your better way will be to Lübeck, and from
thence to Hamburg, and if you do not find ships ready there, you may travel by land to Cologne, and from
thence to Dunkirk; which will be much better than to go by Holland, where they do exceedingly exact upon
strangers, and your Commonwealth 86 hath more enemies there than in any other place, besides the common
people are rude and insolent.
Wh. I am engaged to you for your good advice, which I intend to follow.
After their discourse, Whitelocke presented Piementelle his medal in gold very like him, and it was received
by Piementelle with much affection. Then Piementelle entreated Whitelocke to give him a passport for his
servant, who had the charge of conducting his baggage by sea to Dunkirk, that he might freely pass the
men-of-war of England; the which was willingly done by Whitelocke, under his hand and seal.86
87 April 5, 1654.
Conference with the Chancellor. In the morning Whitelocke went to the Chancellor’s lodging, and
found his son Grave Eric with him. The Chancellor made a long apology to excuse the delay of the treaty, and
said:—
Chancellor. My indisposition of health hath chiefly occasioned the delay, yet was I so solicitous of your
business, that I entreated the Queen to appoint some other person in my stead, who might confer with your
Excellence; and her Majesty was pleased to appoint my son for that service.
April 3, 1654. 40
Whitelocke. I was very sorry for your Excellence’s want of health, both in regard of my affection to
your person, and in respect of the protraction of my business; yet I was glad that your son, my Lord Eric, was
appointed to confer with me, and had rather have the transaction of my business by yourself or some of 88
your family than by any other. I am now come to you to confer upon those articles which yesterday I received
from you.
Then Whitelocke gave the Chancellor a paper of his animadversions upon his articles. The debate began upon
the ninth article; and as to the sale of goods taken from enemies and prohibiting the buying of arms, the
Chancellor said this would abolish their trade, and would be of no advantage to England, because those arms,
and equally as good, might be had from other places; and if the English did light upon them, they would have
the benefit by it. Whitelocke said it would be a great inconvenience to furnish the enemies of either nation
with arms which could not be had elsewhere than in England or Sweden, and that this clause would put a
bridle in the mouths of the enemies of either nation. The Chancellor and his son replied that arms might be
had in the province of Liége,88 and in many other places in Germany; that Sweden scarce afforded any other
commodities but arms, or such things as were serviceable for war; and that the Queen would by no means be
induced to that clause as Whitelocke would have it.
Then they debated upon the eleventh article, the issue whereof was for Whitelocke to consent to a special
designation of prohibited goods. Whitelocke desired that the catalogue and designation of them might be
referred to his return into England, and he would agree that within two months after that there should 89 be a
specification of prohibited goods in the name of the Protector.
The Chancellor urged that the specification might be now agreed upon, and produced a paper specifying them,
which they alleged was delivered by the Council in England unto Bonnele. Whitelocke said he did not
remember the same, and that he was ignorant what goods were prohibited by the Dutch placard, which was fit
to be known before any specification made by him.
Upon the twelfth article Whitelocke urged, that as to the form of the letters of safe-conduct, it might also be
referred to his return into England. They produced a form exhibited by Lagerfeldt to the Council in England,
and desired that the same form might be now agreed upon. Whitelocke answered that the Council of State had
not approved the form given in by Lagerfeldt, and therefore it was not fit for him to consent to it; nor could he
apprehend any reason why they should not consent to refer the agreement of a form unto his return to
England; and the rather, because in the meantime the subjects of the Queen might enjoy the benefit of an edict
made by the Protector in great favour of them, which declaration Whitelocke had caused to be delivered to the
Chancellor.
To the thirteenth article, as to satisfaction of damages, their debate was to the like effect as formerly.
Upon the sixteenth article they had also debate. Whitelocke desired that the words “de usu littorum in
piscatione” might be altered to these words, “de piscatione et usu littorum.” They
alleged that this would seem to deny their fishing upon their own 90 coasts. Whitelocke said, the other would
seem as if England had given up their right as to the fishing, and left all at liberty to those that pleased to take
it.
This was the sum of the debate of near three hours. The conclusion was that they would certify the Queen of
all these matters, and in short acquaint Whitelocke with her answer; which he desired might be as speedy and
positive as they pleased, because if they should reduce him to that necessity, that before he could agree he
must send to the Protector to know his pleasure, he could not receive an answer of his letters in less than two
months’ space, within which time the Queen purposed to resign her government, and then his
commission would be at an end. The Chancellor said he desired Whitelocke should be speedily in England,
not only for the sake of his wife and children, but likewise because then they could promise themselves that
87 April 5, 1654. 41
they had a good friend in England.
Alarm excited by the English fleet. Whitelocke visited the French Resident, who was very inquisitive what
might be the design of the English fleet now at sea; whereunto, as to much other of his discourse, Whitelocke
did not much study for answers, only he was careful not to let fall any words which might lessen their
amusement about the fleet.90
In the evening Woolfeldt visited Whitelocke and discoursed of the same matter; whereof Whitelocke made
some use and of this gentleman, to heighten their jealousies about this fleet. Woolfeldt acquainted Whitelocke
that the Ambassador of Denmark had made 91 a complaint against him to the Queen, that Woolfeldt had
deceived the late King of Denmark of certain sums of money, which he should have disbursed for the late
King of England against the Parliament; and that the present King of Denmark having been informed that
Woolfeldt had lost his papers at sea, and so could not produce his acquittances, the King took the advantage
thereof against Woolfeldt, and now, by his Ambassador, charged him before the Queen for those moneys: but
that he disappointed the Danish Ambassador by producing before the Queen his papers and acquittances,
which his enemies believed had had been lost; and so was justified before the Queen, to the great discontent of
the Ambassador. Whitelocke said he was very glad that Woolfeldt came so well off, and that he perceived the
Queen had, by the the treaty, a capacity, as well as by his residence, to examine and do right in such matters.
Conversation of a Danish gentleman who betrays his country. This day Whitelocke had discourse about
Norway and the Sound with a Danish gentleman of great quality and experience whom he had obliged, who
desired to have his name concealed;91 but part of this discourse follows:—
Dane. Now is a good time for the Protector to send some ships towards these parts.
Whitelocke. What places are there in Norway considerable as to the interest of England?
92 Dane. There are two places in Norway not far from Gothenburg which are easy to be taken, and are
excellent harbours, wherein England might keep some ships constantly, and command all that pass by to the
Baltic Sea.
Wh. What are the names of those places?
Dane. The one of those havens is called Marstrang; but that I do not like so well because of the Paternoster
Rocks, which are very dangerous for coming out if the wind sit northerly, and the fort there is commanded by
the hills near it. But the other place, called Flecker Town, is an island, and hath a going-in and coming-out
two ways; it is an excellent harbour, and ships may ride in it at such a distance from the land (being a broad
water) that none from the land can hurt them. There is a little fort in this island which may easily be taken, not
having above forty or fifty men in it, and the works decayed. Those who assail it must land their men on the
south-east side of the island, the fort being on the other side, and they may easily be masters of it; and from
thence having some ships, they may go in and out at their pleasure, and command all passing by; and none can
come into the harbour to them if they make up the fort, which is soon done, and the passage not above
musket-shot to be commanded, and there are no guns there of any consideration at this time.
Wh. How shall they do for victuals there to get fresh from the land?
Dane. There is plenty of butter and cheese, sheep and hogs; and the poor country people will be no trouble to
you, but be willing to be commanded by you.
93 Wh. What towns are there near it?
87 April 5, 1654. 42
Dane. Higher in the country is Bergen, the chief town for trade there, and rich enough. Your ships may easily
come into that harbour, and plunder the town and get a great booty, and return to Fleckeren Town again.
Wh. Is there anything to be done at Iceland?
Dane. I wonder you do not send, in August or September, four or five ships to Iceland, being men-of-war.
They may have twenty or thirty Dutch ships, laden with fish, butter, and hides, which will make no resistance
at all; and it would be a rich prize, and might be had without danger or difficulty.
Wh. Is the castle of Elsinore so strong a piece that it cannot be taken without much expense and danger?
Dane. This will not be the best design for England: it is a small, strong castle, and doth not signify much;
though it be esteemed a piece of importance, it is not so.
Wh. It commands the passage of the Sound.
Dane. Most men believe so, but it is mistaken. I have seen an experiment to the contrary, that a boat, being
placed in the middle of that narrow passage of the Sound, they shot at it from the castle of Elsinore, and
likewise from the castle of Helsingborg on the other side, with the greatest guns they had, and yet they could
not reach the boat from either side by two thousand paces; nor is it so narrow in the passage but that a ship
may, when she pleaseth, sail by those castles in despite of them.
Wh. What harbour is there at Elsinore?
Dane. There is no harbour for ships to ride in, and in foul weather they will be in danger to be all lost, 94
because they must ride in the open sea, which there is extreme perilous; and therefore Elsinore is not worth
the keeping, if England had it. But their best design would be to go directly to the town of Copenhagen with
fifty or sixty good ships, with landsmen in them; and it is easy enough to take that town, for the works of it are
not strong, nor is it well guarded, and it would be easier to take that town than Elsinore; and if England were
masters of it, the castle would quickly come in to them; and at the town they should have a good haven for
their ships, and a small matter would build a better fort near the town than Elsinore is, and would command
the passage more than the castles do, and make you masters of the Sound and of all the trade of the Baltic Sea.
Wh. What revenue would be gained thereby?
Dane. More than will maintain your ships and forces there, and will command all the island of Zealand.
Wh. I should be glad to meet you there.
Dane. If you summon me by your letters, I will give you a meeting at Copenhagen, or those whom the
Protector will send thither; and if you will meet me there, I doubt not but to show you a way to get that town
without much difficulty; and then you will have all the isle of Zealand, which is the best part of Denmark, and
the rest will follow, being weary of the present tyranny and ill-usage of their King. And if you were masters of
Zealand, you might thereby keep in awe the Swede, the Hollander, and all the world that have occasion for the
commodities of the Baltic Sea.
Wh. Why then doth not the King of Denmark now keep them in such awe?
Dane. Because he hath neither the money nor ships nor men that England hath.
87 April 5, 1654. 43
95 Wh. What is the ground and reason of payment of the tolls at Elsinore, if ships may pass by without the
leave of the castles there?
Dane. Because that is known but to a very few; and what I have told you is under secresy, and I desire that
none but the Protector may know it from you; and as for the grounds of paying the tolls at Elsinore, it is rather
from the keeping of the lights in Jutland and upon that coast, than from any command that Elsinore hath of the
ships that go that way.
Wh. I have heard those lights are very useful.
Dane. Unless they were kept, it would be impossible for ships to sail there in the long nights in winter; and the
trade doth enforce them to come that way in October and November, when the nights are very long, because
of bringing wine into those parts after the vintage, which is in September.
Wh. They are likewise to carry home corn, which is not inned till August and September. Did not the
Hollanders refuse to pay the toll?
Dane. Once they did, and thereupon the last King of Denmark, by advice, commanded that the lights upon the
coast should not be kept; and the Hollanders in that autumn lost above thirty ships upon the Danish coast, and
came and entreated the King that the lights might be kept again, and promised to pay the tolls as formerly, and
have done so ever since.
Wh. Let me say to you, in freedom, how can you, being a native of Denmark, satisfy yourself to discover these
things to me, whereby prejudice may come to your country?
Dane. I do not think I betray my country in this, though, my country having left me to be an exile, I 96 might
justly leave them; and wheresoever I breathe and am maintained is more my country than that where I was
born, and which will not let me breathe there; yet in this I think I may do good service to Denmark, to free
them from the tyranny they are under, and to bring them into the free government of the Protector, to whom I
shall do any service in my power. But for the King of Denmark, he is governed by his Queen and a few of her
party, men of no honour nor wisdom nor experience in public affairs, but proud and haughty, according to the
way of these parts of the world.
Wh. I shall not fail to make known to the Protector your great affections to him.
April 6, 1654.
Effects of the English fleet in the North. Monsieur Miller, who had been Resident at Hamburg for her
Majesty, came to visit Whitelocke, and after dinner discoursed much of the English fleet now at sea, which, he
said, did amuse all the northern parts of the world, what the design thereof might be. Whitelocke did not
lessen the wonder, especially in relation to Denmark; yet affirmed nothing positively, as indeed he could not.
He inquired of Monsieur Miller if the King of Denmark were making any preparations at sea, or of land
forces, or had any design towards Hamburg. Miller said he knew of none, and in his discourse gave
Whitelocke good information of the government, strength, and trade of that Hanse Town.
The Secretary Canterstein came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor, and brought to him the articles upon 97
which they had last treated, now altered according to Whitelocke’s desire, except that which concerned
the forbidding of our enemies to buy arms in the countries of our confederates. He also delivered to
Whitelocke the draft of a preamble for the articles, and another article for the ratifying of all the rest;
whereunto Whitelocke consented, and thanked God that his business was brought so near to a good
April 6, 1654. 44
conclusion. Whitelocke received his packet from England, and Thurloe wrote that the Protector was sensible
of the Queen’s delaying of Whitelocke, but approved his proceedings. He sent this enclosed
order:—
“At the Council Chamber, Whitehall:
“Friday, 17 Martii, 1653.
Order in Council in the matter of a Swedish prize. “On consideration of a letter, this day read in
Council, sent from the Lord Ambassador Extraordinary with her Majesty of Sweden, mentioning, among
other things, the taking of the ship ‘Charity,’ Paul Paulsen, master, by a private man-of-war,
and the carrying of her into Dover, and the hard usage of the master and mariners, which ship is claimed by
some citizens of Gothenburg, subjects of the said Queen:
“Ordered, That it be referred to the Commissioners of the Admiralty speedily to put this matter in a
way of examination; and, for their information in the premises, to send for the commander of the said
man-of-war, and to receive a particular account and satisfaction concerning the disposal of the ship and goods,
and the usage of the master and mariners, and thereupon to state the whole case and report it to the Council, to
the intent speedy justice may be done therein; and the said Commissioners are likewise to take order that all
further proceedings touching the said ship, or her lading or disposal of any part thereof, be stayed and
forborne till their report made 98 and further order thereupon shall be given by the Council.
“W. Jessop, Clerk of the Council.”
Thurloe wrote that in case the information given to Whitelocke were found to be true, that the parties
offending would be severely punished and right done to those who were injured; and that the Council were
very sensible hereof, as a hindrance to Whitelocke’s proceedings and a dishonour to the Protector. He
also wrote unto Whitelocke that there was little scruple now of an agreement upon the Dutch treaty, which
was as good as concluded; and he sent the news of France and of Scotland and Ireland, as well as that of
England, as he constantly used to do. Whitelocke caused this order to be translated into Latin, and made use of
it for the advantage of his business.
A description was given to Whitelocke, in writing, of the manner of making gunpowder in these parts, and of
their mills and vessels for it, not unlike in many things to their way in England.
April 7, 1654.
The Queen’s plans after abdication. Whitelocke waited on the Queen, and she was pleased to discourse
with him to this effect:—
Queen. I am resolved to retire into Pomerland, and this summer to go to the Spa to drink the waters for my
health.
Whitelocke. Give me leave, Madam, to put you in mind of two things to be specially taken care of: one is the
security of your own person, the other is the settling of your revenue. Your Majesty, being of a royal and
bountiful spirit, cannot look into such matters 99 so much beneath you as expenses or accounts; and if care be
not taken therein, and good officers, your Majesty may be disappointed and deceived.
Qu. I thank you for this counsel. I intend to have Mr. Flemming with me, to take charge of my revenue; he is a
discreet, wise man, and fit for that employment, and to order the expenses of my house; I believe he will
April 7, 1654. 45
neither deceive me himself nor permit others to do it, for he is faithful to me.
Wh. Such a servant is a jewel. I hope care is taken that your Majesty’s revenue be secured in such a
manner that you shall not depend upon the pleasure of any other for the receipt of it, but to be in your power
as mistress of it, not as a pensioner.
Qu. It shall be settled according to the advice you gave me, and I thank you for it.
Wh. Madam, I account it a happiness if in anything I may be serviceable to your Majesty. Whom doth your
Majesty take with you beside Mr. Flemming of that quality?
Qu. I desire the company of Mr. Woolfeldt and his lady, if they will go with me.
Wh. I suppose they will be very serviceable to your Majesty; and I hope it will not be long, after the business
here effected, before you transport yourself into Pomerland, lest any designs should be against your liberty,
for, Madam, in this age there be few persons to be trusted.
Qu. That is too great a truth, and I thank you for the caution. I could freely trust yourself with any of my
concernments; and if you will come to me into Pomerland, you shall be as welcome as any man living, and we
will be merry together.
100 Wh. I humbly thank your Majesty for your great favour to your servant, who hath a wife and children
enough to people a province in Pomerland, and I shall bring them all thither to do your Majesty service.
Qu. If you will bring your lady and all your children and family thither, and settle yourself there, you shall
want nothing in my power, and shall be very welcome to me.
Wh. I am your Majesty’s most humble servant; and I pray, Madam, give me leave to ask your Majesty,
whether you judge it requisite for me to wait on the Prince of Sweden before my going out of this country.
Qu. I think it very fit and necessary for you to see the Prince before you leave this country; it will be taken as
a respect from the Protector to him, and if you do not, it will be looked upon as a neglect of him.
Wh. I am obliged to do all that lies in my power to enlarge the Protector’s interest.
Qu. The Prince being to succeed in the Crown, and in so short a time, it will be fit to keep a fair
correspondence with him and to show respect to him, whereof your visit will be a good testimony.
Wh. Madam, your opinion will be a great direction to me in my affairs.
Qu. I think it will be an advantage to your business for you to speak with the Prince himself, who will take it
in good part, and hold himself the more obliged to the observance of what shall be agreed upon in your
present treaty, being acquainted therewith by you that made it.
Wh. I hope the treaty which your Majesty shall make will be observed by any who shall succeed you; 101 but
I acknowledge it is very advisable for me to have some discourse with his Royal Highness, to give him an
account of the treaty, and I shall inquire where I may attend him.
Qu. You must go from hence to Stockholm, and so to Nordköping, and the castle where the Prince now
resides is within a league of that town; you may have my coaches and horses to transport you, and my
servants to guide you thither.
April 7, 1654. 46
Wh. I humbly desire your Majesty to make choice of any of my coach-horses or saddle-horses that may be
useful for you, and to command them; they are all at your Majesty’s service.
Qu. I shall not make choice of any; but if you bestow any of them upon me, they will be very acceptable.
Wh. I humbly acknowledge your Majesty’s great favour in affording a despatch to my business.
Qu. I wish you with the Protector, because I see you are a faithful servant to him, and worthy to serve any
prince in Christendom.
Wh. Your Majesty ever had a favour for me, and in nothing more than in my despatch.
Qu. I think it not fit for you to be in Sweden too near the time of the coronation of the new King; and then to
go away, and not to see him, would be worse.
Wh. I do intend, upon your Majesty’s advice, to salute him before my going away, and shall desire that
the ships may meet me near the place where his Royal Highness is.
Qu. I will give order for it, and will be gone myself not long after; if I had staid here I should have been glad
of your longer stay.
102 Whitelocke took his leave of the Queen, and, being returned home, Field-Marshal Wrangel visited him,
and after dinner, being in a good humour, discoursed freely and much of the English fleet at sea. Whitelocke
showed him a draught of the ship ‘Sovereign,’ with her dimensions, guns, and men, wherewith
he was much pleased. He told Whitelocke that, by command of the Queen, he had prepared ships for
Whitelocke’s transportation from Stockholm to Lübeck.
Whitelocke reports on the treaty to Thurloe. Whitelocke made his despatches for England, and in his letters to
Thurloe gave this account of the treaty:—
“1. Their first article differs not in substance from the first which I proposed, and therefore I did not
object against it; but as to all of them, I reserved a liberty to myself of further consideration and objection. I
did a little stick upon the word ’colonias’ in this article, lest it might tend to anything of
commerce in America; but finding it only to relate to the amity, I passed it over.
“2. The first part of it agrees in substance with my sixth article, the latter part of it with my fourth
article; only I objected against their words in this article, ‘in damnum illius,’ who should be
judge thereof, and the omission of that part of my fourth article against harbouring of enemies and rebels.
“3. Their third article agrees in substance with my second article, but is more general, not naming the
Sound, and explaining the word ’aliorsum’ in my second article; and I desired that the word
’populos’ might be added after the word ‘subditos.’
“4. Their fourth in the beginning agrees with my third article; that of it touching the trade of America
and the fishing I answered, as I gave you a former account, and thereupon denied it, as also that part of it
which concerns importation of goods in foreign bottoms, being contrary to 103 our Act of Parliament. In this
latter end of their fourth article they likewise bring in again the business of fishing implicitly in the words
‘maribus, littoribus,’ etc., and therefore I desired that all that part might be left out, and in lieu
thereof I offered the latter part of my third article beginning with the words ‘solutis tamen,’
etc., and the last of my reserved articles to be admitted; or else, I desired that this whole article of theirs might
be omitted, and in lieu thereof my third article, and the last of my reserved articles to be admitted; and they
April 7, 1654. 47
likewise insist to have these words added if that part of their fourth article be omitted, viz. ‘quoad
Americæ commercium, piscationem halecum, et mercium importationem, de his in posterum erit
conventum.’
“5. Their fifth article agrees in substance with my eleventh, only hath more words to express the same
matter.
“6. Their sixth agrees in substance with my thirteenth article, with the addition of words for kind
usage, and the omission of the proviso in my thirteenth article as to breaking of bulk; which yet seems to be
supplied by the latter part of their sixth article, of conforming to the ordinances of the place.
“7. Agrees with my reserved article, marked with fifteen, only the words ‘nihil inde
juris’ I thought fit to be omitted, because in the treaty we are not to meddle with particular rights; yet
the sense and desire thereof is answered in the words for restitution. I offered them, if they liked not this, my
fifteenth article, which is one of those reserved, omitting only that part as not conducing to this article, viz.
‘Et si lis,’ etc.
“8. Agrees in substance with my twelfth article, only the expressions here are longer; and that for
justice to be had agrees with the latter part of my reserved article fifteenth.
“9. In the general differs not in the substance from my seventh, and the beginning of my reserved
articles; and the laws in this ninth article, first, second, third, and 104 fourth, are not contrary to the substance
of mine; but to the fifth I excepted, as contrary to part of my seventh article, and to their sixth law, as to
bringing in of ships and goods from enemies; both which nevertheless, in case we have peace with the Dutch,
will be more to our advantage, in my humble opinion, to continue in than to be omitted; as also that not to
contend in the harbours; and so the first, second, third, and fourth laws. The seventh law, I humbly conceive,
not differing in substance from my articles, nor disadvantageous to England. To their sixth law I desired that
my seventh article might be added, the which they denied, as to forbid enemies to either to buy arms, etc.
“10. Agrees in part with my ninth, only the latter part of it seems to bring in the trade of America, and
a liberty contrary to the Act of Navigation; but they insist that the same is saved by the latter words of this
article, ‘modò consuetudines antiquæ;’ but I was not satisfied herewith, and desired that that
part of it which is marked might be omitted, and the latter part of my ninth article, viz. ’utrisque
utrinque observantibus,’ etc. inserted, which I humbly conceive will help it; or else I desire that this
tenth article may be wholly omitted, and in lieu thereof my ninth may be agreed.
“11. To this article of theirs I wholly excepted, because it agrees not with any of mine, nor with reason,
that when our enemies have forbidden any to bring contraband goods to us, that yet we should permit them to
be brought unto our enemies. They told me that the Queen had sent unto the States to repeal that placard of
theirs. I answered, that when I was certified that that placard was repealed, I would then desire to know the
Protector’s further pleasure herein; but before that be done, I thought it would be in vain to trouble him
about it.
“12. Is not expressly in any of my articles, but agreed by the Council of State unto Mr. Lagerfeldt, only
the form of the letters of safe-conduct not fully assented unto; 105 therefore I desired that the same might be
remitted to a future agreement; but as to the rest of this article, it is not repugnant to the substance of mine,
that the navigation and commerce may be free.
“13. In the first part of it agrees almost verbatim with my tenth article; the latter part of it, concerning
satisfaction for losses, is much altered from what it was at first exhibited, and is now put on both parties, and
referred to future agreement, wherein there can be no prejudice to our Commonwealth; but before, it was
April 7, 1654. 48
reproachful to the justice thereof and laid on our part only; now it is no more than what the Council and State
promised in their papers to Mr. Lagerfeldt.
“14. Agrees in substance with my ninth article.
“15. Contains the substance of my fifth article, but is expressed more generally, and, as I humbly
believe, no less to the advantage of our Commonwealth.
“I found more readiness in the Queen to consent to what I proposed than in her Commissioners; but
some things she told me she could not consent to, because they were against the interest of her people, and
were not considerable to England. I gave her thanks for my despatch. She said she had an ambition to have the
honour of making an alliance with the Protector herself before she quitted the Government, and that she might
testify her respects to him, and therefore had gone as far as possibly she could; and indeed there is now very
little difference, but only in words and expressions, from the sense and substance of what I first proposed.
And I presume that what is here agreed by me will give good satisfaction and contentment to the Protector and
Council, and I apprehend it clearly within my instructions; acknowledging the goodness of God to me in this
business, where I met with so many difficulties, and of so great weight, that yet in a fortnight’s time it
should be brought to a full conclusion, with honour and advantage to the Protector and present Government,
for which I have taken all care.
106 “The articles are not yet drawn up, but I hope we shall sign them the next week, and presently after
I intend to demand audience to take my leave and to remove from hence, and, as soon as I can, to come to
Lübeck, and from thence to Hamburg; and I have by this post humbly desired my Lord Protector to appoint
some of his ships to meet me at Hamburg as soon as they can, for my transportation from thence to England.
And I humbly entreat your favour to put his Highness in mind of it, and that you will take care that the orders
may be had, and the ships to come as soon as may be to the Elbe, to Hamburg, where I shall stay for them, or
till I receive his Highness’s further commands; and I choose this way as the shortest, and where I shall
meet with any despatches that may come from England. I presume you will be troubled with an importunate
suitor for hastening my return.
“I received your letters of the 17th March, and the order of the Council concerning the Swedish ship,
for which I return my humble thanks. The Queen, and the Chancellor and others here, were much satisfied
with it. The Chancellor and his son have been very civil to me, and lately furthering my despatch. I hope the
same goodness of God which hath hitherto brought me through this great business will give me a safe return
to my dear country and friends, where I may have opportunity with thankfulness to acknowledge your
constant favour and kindness to
“Your affectionate friend to serve you,
“B. W.
“Upsal, April 7th, 1654.”
April 8, 1654.
A masque at Court. The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke from the Queen, to desire his company
this evening at a masque; and they had this discourse:—
Whitelocke. Present my thanks to her Majesty, and tell her I will wait upon her.
April 8, 1654. 49
107 Precedence claimed by Denmark. Mast. Cer. What would your Excellence expect in matter of
precedence, as in case you should meet with any other ambassador at the masque?
Wh. I shall expect that which belongs to me as Ambassador from the Commonwealth of England, Scotland,
and Ireland; and I know no other ambassador now in this Court besides myself, except the Ambassador of the
King of Denmark, who, I suppose, hath no thoughts of precedence before the English Ambassador, who is
resolved not to give it him if he should expect it.
Mast. Cer. Perhaps it may be insisted on, that he of Denmark is an ambassador of an anointed king, and you
are only ambassador to the Protector—a new name, and not sacré.
Wh. Whosoever shall insist on that distinction will be mistaken, and I understand no difference of power
between king and protector, or anointed or not anointed; and ambassadors are the same public ministers to a
protector or commonwealth as to a prince or sultan.
Mast. Cer. There hath always been a difference observed between the public ministers of kings and of
commonwealths, or princes of inferior titles.
Wh. The title of Protector, as to a sovereign title, hath not yet been determined in the world as to superiority or
inferiority to other titles; but I am sure that the nation of England hath ever been determined superior to that of
Denmark. I represent the nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Protector, who is chief of them;
and the honour of these nations ought to be in the same consideration now as it hath been formerly, and I must
not suffer 108 any diminution of that honour by my person to please any whatsoever.
Mast. Cer. I shall propose an expedient to you, that you may take your places as you come: he who comes
first, the first place, and he who comes last, the lower place.
Wh. I shall hardly take a place below the Danish Ambassador, though I come into the room after him.
Mast. Cer. But when you come into the room and find the Danish Ambassador set, you cannot help it, though
he have the upper place.
Wh. I shall endeavour to help it, rather than sit below the Danish Ambassador.
Mast. Cer. I presume you will not use force in the Queen’s presence.
Wh. Master, it is impossible for me, if it were in the presence of all the queens and kings in Christendom, to
forbear to use any means to hinder the dishonour of my nation in my person.
Mast. Cer. I believe the Danish Ambassador would not be so high as you are.
Wh. There is no reason why he should: he knows his nation never pretended to have the precedence of
England, and you, being master of the ceremonies, cannot be ignorant of it.
Mast. Cer. I confess that your nation always had the precedence of Denmark when you were under a king.
Wh. I should never give it from them though they were under a constable.
Mast. Cer. If you insist upon it, the Danish Ambassador must be uninvited again, for I perceive that you two
must not meet.
April 8, 1654. 50
109 Wh. I suppose the gentleman would not expect precedence of me.
Mast. Cer. I can assure you he doth.
Wh. I can assure you he shall never have it, if I can help it. But I pray, Master, tell me whether her Majesty
takes notice of this question of precedence, or did she wish to confer with me about it?
Mast. Cer. The Queen commanded me to speak with you about it, hoping that the question might be so
composed that she might have the company of you both at her entertainment.
Wh. I shall stay at home rather than interrupt her Majesty’s pleasures, which I should do by meeting
the Danish Ambassador, to whom I shall not give precedence, unless he be stronger than I.
Mast. Cer. The Queen makes this masque chiefly for your Excellence’s entertainment, therefore you
must not be absent, but rather the Danish Ambassador must be uninvited; and I shall presently go about it.
Order on the Swedish ships. Whitelocke returned a visit to Grave Eric, and showed him the Order of the
Council touching the Swedish ships, much in favour of them, and which seemed very pleasing to the Grave;
but he also showed to Whitelocke several letters which he had received from masters of Swedish ships, of
new complaints of taking of their ships; and he desired that the Order showed him by Whitelocke might be
extended to those whose ships had been since taken; which Whitelocke promised to endeavour, and said that
he should be in a better capacity to serve him, and to procure discharges for their ships and goods, when he
should be himself in England; and therefore desired that, by his despatch, they would hasten him thither,
which the Grave 110 promised to do. At his going away, Grave Eric invited Whitelocke to dine with him on
Monday next, and to come as a particular friend and brother, and not by a formal invitation as an ambassador.
Whitelocke liked the freedom, and promised to wait on him; and was the more willing to come, that he might
see the fashion of their entertainments, this being the first invitation that was made to him by any person in
this country.
General Grave Wirtenberg visited Whitelocke. He is a Finlander by birth, of an ancient family, who had
applied himself wholly to the military profession, wherein he became so eminent, and had done so great
service for this Crown, that he was had in great esteem, especially with the soldiery. He was a Ricks-Senator,
and one of the College of War, and at present had the charge of General of the Ordnance, which is of higher
account here than in England, being next in command to the Generalissimo, and over the soldiery which
belong not to the train, and is often employed as a general. This gentleman seemed worthy of his honour; he
was of a low stature, somewhat corpulent, of a good mien, and plain behaviour, more in the military than
courtly way. His discourse declared his reason and judgement to be very good, and his mention of anything
relating to himself was full of modesty. He took great notice of the English navy and soldiery, and of the
people’s inclinations and violent desires of liberty. He spake only Swedish and High Dutch, which
caused Whitelocke to make use of an interpreter, his kinsman Andrew Potley.
The masque. In the evening, according to the invitation from the Queen, Whitelocke went to Court to the
masque, 111 where he did not find the Danish Ambassador. But some of the Court took notice of the
discourse which had been between the master of the ceremonies and Whitelocke touching precedence, and
they all approved Whitelocke’s resolution, and told him that the Queen highly commended him for it,
and said that he was a stout and faithful servant to the Protector and to his nation, and that she should love him
the better for it; nor was the contest the less pleasing because with the Dane in Sweden.
From eight o’clock at night till two the next morning they were at the masque, which was in the usual
room fitted for the solemnity, in which the Queen herself was an actor. The floor where they danced was
covered with tapestry and hung about with red velvet, but most adorned by the presence of a great number of
April 8, 1654. 51
ladies richly dressed and beautified both by nature and habit, attending on their mistress; and there were also
many senators, officers, courtiers, and nobility,—a very great presence of spectators. The music was
excellent, especially the violins, which were many, and rare musicians and fittest for that purpose. The Queen
herself danced very well at two entries: in the first she represented a Moorish lady, in the second a
citizen’s wife; in both the properties were exactly fitted, and in all the rest of the actors and dancers.
There were no speeches nor songs; men acting men’s parts, and women the women’s, with
variety of representations and dances. The whole design was to show the vanity and folly of all professions
and worldly things, lively represented by the exact properties and mute actions, genteelly, without the least
offence or scandal.
112 It held two hours; and after the dances the Queen caused her chair to be brought near to Whitelocke,
where she sat down and discoursed with him of the masque. He (according to his judgement) commended it
and the inoffensiveness of it, and rare properties fitted to every representation, with the excellent performance
of their parts by all, especially by the Moorish lady and citizen’s wife; at which the Queen smiled, and
said she was glad he liked it. He replied, that any of his countrymen might have been present at it without any
offence, and he thanked her Majesty for the honour she gave him to be present at it. The Queen said she
perceived that Whitelocke understood what belonged to masques and the most curious part of them, the
properties,—with much like discourse; after which she retired to her chamber, and Whitelocke to his
lodging.
April 9, 1654.
Monsieur Bloome came to dine with Whitelocke, and to put him in mind of Grave Eric’s request to
him to dine with him the next day. He also sent to invite Whitelocke’s two sons and Colonel Potley.
The Spanish Envoy departs with rich presents. In the afternoon Piementelle came to take his leave of
Whitelocke, and said he intended to begin his journey the next morning. Whitelocke offered himself or his
coaches and servants, to attend him out of town; but he said it was not the custom when a public minister
departed from a place to use any ceremony, but to leave him to the liberty of ordering and taking his journey,
but thanked Whitelocke for his favour.
Though it were the Lord’s Day, yet Piementelle fell into discourse of the last night’s masque,
which he 113 could not be present at publicly as formerly, because he had taken his leave of the Queen and
Senators, yet, being desirous to see it, was admitted into the tiring-room; and he told Whitelocke that after the
Queen had acted the Moorish lady and retired into that room to put off her disguise, Piementelle being there,
she gave him her visor; in the mouth whereof was a diamond ring of great price, which shined and glistered
gloriously by the torch and candle light as the Queen danced; this she bade Piementelle to keep till she called
for it. Piementelle told her he wondered she would trust a jewel of that value in the hands of a soldier; she said
she would bear the adventure of it. And when the masque was ended, Piementelle offered the ring again to the
Queen, who told him that he had not kept it according to her commands, which were till she called for it,
which she had not yet done, nor intended as long as she lived, but that he should keep it as a memorial of her
favour. The Spaniard had cause to rest satisfied with the Queen’s answer and her real and bountiful
compliment, the ring being worth ten thousand crowns, which he brought away with him, besides many other
jewels and presents from the Queen of great value, not publicly known. He took leave of Whitelocke and of
his sons, Colonel Potley, and the gentlemen, with great civility.
April 9, 1654. 52
April 10, 1654.

Whitelocke dines with Grave Eric Oxenstiern. Between eleven and twelve o’clock, the usual
dining-time here, Whitelocke, with his sons and Potley, attended only by two gentlemen, one page, and two
lacqueys, went to Grave Eric’s lodging to dinner. His 114 rooms were not stately nor richly furnished,
but such as could be had in that place. The outer room for servants was like a little hall; within that was a
larger room, narrow and long, where they dined; within that was a smaller room hung with tapestry, used for a
withdrawing-room: all below stairs, which is not usual in these parts.
Grave Eric met Whitelocke at the door of the lodging; in the dining-room was his father the Chancellor, and
divers friends with him. The father and son went in with Whitelocke to the withdrawing-room, where, after a
quarter of an hour’s discourse, they were called to dinner, the meat being on the table; then a huge
massy basin and ewer of silver gilt was brought for them to wash—some of the good booties met with
in Germany. After washing, one of the pages (after their manner) said grace in Swedish.
The table was long and narrow; in the middle of it, on the further side, under a canopy of velvet, were set two
great chairs: Whitelocke sat in the right-hand chair, and Woolfeldt in the other, on his left-hand. On the other
side of the table, over against these, were set two other like great chairs; in the right-hand chair sat the
Ricks-Droitset, and in the left-hand chair the Chancellor. By Whitelocke sat Grave Gabriel Oxenstiern and
Senator Vanderlin in lesser chairs, and by Woolfeldt sat Whitelocke’s sons and Potley. On the other
side, in lesser chairs, by the Droitset, sat the Senators Beilke and Bundt the younger; by the Chancellor sat
Senator Bundt the elder and Baron Douglas; at the upper end of the table sat Grave Eric, and at the lower end
stood the carver. The dishes were all silver, not great, but 115 many, set one upon another, and filled with the
best meat and most variety that the country did afford; and indeed the entertainment was very
noble—they had four several courses of their best meat, and fish and fowl, dressed after the French
mode.
They had excellent Rhenish wine, and indifferent good sack and claret; their beer very thick and strong, after
the manner of the country. When the four courses were done, they took off the meat and tablecloth, and under
it was another clean cloth; then they brought clean napkins and plates to every one, and set a full banquet on
the table, and, as part thereof, tobacco and pipes, which they set before Whitelocke as a special respect to him,
and he and two or three more of the company took of it as they sat at table; and they so civilly complied with
Whitelocke as not to observe their own customs, but abstaining from healths or any excess.
They all sat bare at the table, according to their usage, chiefly (though no occasion were for it at this time) to
avoid the trouble of often putting off and on their hats and caps in healths. They were full of good discourse,
more cheerful than serious. Most at the table spake or understood somewhat of English, for which reason they
were chosen to accompany Whitelocke here, as a compliment to his nation; they discoursed also in several
other languages, as Swedish, High Dutch, French, and Latin.
After dinner, which was very long, they sat yet longer at the table, Whitelocke expecting when they would
rise; till Douglas informed him, that he being the guest, and an ambassador, they used it as a respect to him,
that none of the company would offer 116 to rise till he first arose from the table. As soon as this was known
to Whitelocke, he presently rose and the rest with him, and the Chancellor and he retired into the
withdrawing-room; where, after compliments and thanks for his noble treatment (which it was said the father
made, though put out in the son’s name, and was full of respect and magnificence), Whitelocke
exchanges his full powers. Whitelocke thought fit to show to the Chancellor his powers to treat, and they had
conference to this effect.
Whitelocke. Father, if you please to peruse this writing, you will be satisfied that the Protector, since the late
April 10, 1654. 53

change of Government in England, hath thought me worthy to be trusted and furnished with sufficient power
as to this treaty.
Chancellor. My dear son, this is very full, and a large testimony of the good opinion your master hath of you.
All your powers and the originals of your commissions (according to custom) are to be left with us, to be
registered in our Chancery.
Wh. I suppose you will also deliver to me the originals of your powers, to be enrolled (according to the
English custom also) in our Chancery.
Chan. That shall be done.
Wh. The like shall be done on my part; and the Protector will be ready to do whatever shall be judged further
necessary for the ratifying of this business.
Chan. It will be requisite that you let me have in Latin your instructions from the Protector.
Wh. I shall cause it to be done, except such part of them as are secret.
Chan. That which is to be reserved in secresy I desire not to see; there will be sufficient besides to show your
powers.
117 Wh. They will fully appear.
Chan. I should counsel you, before your departure out of this kingdom, to make a visit to the Prince of
Sweden; he will take it in good part, and it will testify a respect of the Protector to him, and render the alliance
the more firm.
Wh. It is my purpose to visit the Prince; not that I am in doubt of the validity of the treaty made with the
Queen, unless the Prince approve of it, but, as you advise, to show the respect of the Protector to his Kingly
Highness, and to acquit myself of a due civility.
Chan. It will be fit for you to do it; and I shall advise you, at your return home, to put the Protector in mind of
some particulars which, in my judgement, require his special care.
Wh. I shall faithfully do it, and I know they will be received with much the more regard coming from you: I
pray do me the favour to let me know them.
Oxenstiern’s advice to Cromwell. Chan. I would counsel the Protector to take heed of those dangerous
opinions in matters of religion which daily increase among you, and, if not prevented and curbed, will cause
new troubles, they never resting till themselves may domineer in chief.
Wh. Will not the best way to curb them be to slight them, and so they will fall of themselves?
Chan. I doubt they have taken too much root to fall so easily; but if they be not countenanced with
preferments, they will the sooner wither and decay.
Wh. That will surely lessen them.
Chan. The Protector must also be careful to provide money and employment for his soldiers, else he will
hardly keep them in order.
April 10, 1654. 54

118 Wh. That is very requisite; and for money there is good provision already made.
Chan. He must likewise be watchful of the King’s party, who will be busy at work, especially upon the
new change.
Wh. The care thereof is the life of our affairs, and his Highness is most vigilant.
Chan. It behoves him to be so, for they that could not vanquish him by arms will endeavour to do it by craft
and treachery of your own party, which you must look to.
Wh. He hath good intelligence of their plots.
Chan. It will also be prudence in him to let the people see that he intends not to rule them with an iron sceptre,
nor to govern them by an army, but to give them such a liberty and enjoyment of the benefit of their laws that
the continuance of his government may become their interest, and that they may have no cause to desire a
change; else, though they must bear the yoke for a time, yet as soon as they meet with an opportunity they will
shake it off again.
Wh. This is counsel proper to come from such a mind and judgement as yours is, and I shall not fail to report
it to his Highness; and your Excellence hath rightly stated the disposition of my countrymen, who love peace
and liberty, and will hardly brook slavery longer than they are forced to it by necessity; and the best way to
govern them is to let them enjoy their laws and rights, which will rule them better than an iron sceptre.
Chan. It is the disposition of all generous and free people, as the English are, whom I truly respect, and him
that is their head, that gallant person the Protector.
119 They had much other discourse; and after being together till six o’clock, the father and son, and
the Chancellor and Whitelocke, called one another, and all the company parted.
April 11, 1654.

The Queen proposes a secret article. The Chancellor had promised to procure Whitelocke his despatch in a
few days. He sent Canterstein to communicate to him the articles drawn in form, with the amendments, to see
if there were any mistake in them. Whitelocke and the secretary perused them together, and agreed on all
except two or three points, in which was some small difference; and Canterstein promised to hasten the
engrossing of them.
Many strangers dining with Whitelocke made him the later in his visit to the Queen, to take his leave of her
Majesty before her intended journey to see her mother. She promised Whitelocke that during her absence she
would leave order with the Chancellor and his son to conclude the treaty, and at her return she would do what
belonged to her for the speedy despatch of Whitelocke, to his contentment. She promised also to give order to
her Chancellor about the business of Guinea, whereof they had much discourse.
She was pleased to propound to Whitelocke a secret article to be between her and the Protector, and not to be
in the treaty between her Commissioners and Whitelocke, nor to be known to any of them. She said, that if it
might be done, she should take it in very good part; but if Whitelocke thought it not likely to be done, then she
would think no more of it. She said the substance of what she desired was that it 120 might be agreed, by a
particular article between the Protector and her, that in case those here should not perform what they promised
to her upon her resignation of the government, that then it should be in the power of the Protector to break the
treaty now made, and not to be bound by it.
April 11, 1654. 55

Whitelocke was much troubled at this proposal, and upon a great difficulty in it—that if he should deny
it, the Queen might be distasted and break off from his treaty; and to consent to it he had no commission, nor
held it reasonable; but he told the Queen that it was a matter of great weight, deserving her Majesty’s
serious thoughts what to do in it. He said he had no instructions upon any such article as this, nor could agree
to it; but if her Majesty pleased to have such an article drawn up, and to sign it herself and send it to the
Protector, he promised to use his best interest to persuade his Highness to a consent thereunto, and to sign it at
Whitelocke’s return to England, and so to return it to her Majesty.
She said that Woolfeldt should confer with Whitelocke about the drawing up of such an article, whom she
would trust in it, but not any of the Swedes, because it might concern them, and occasion prejudice to them.
Whitelocke agreed that Woolfeldt was a fit person to be trusted in this business, and one with whom he should
willingly confer about any service for her Majesty; that he believed something might be done herein to the
Queen’s advantage, but whether in this way of a secret article, and as part of the treaty, he doubted,
lest thereby offence might be given, and the treaty thereby, as to both parts, be weakened. The Queen replied
that it would keep those here in some 121 fear lest if they should break with her, that then the Protector would
not keep the treaty with them.
Whitelocke thought it best to be at some reserve in this article of secresy, not wholly to dissuade the Queen
from it, lest she might be distasted. He saw advantage to the Protector to have it put into his power to break
the treaty upon this occasion; but he doubted the honour and clearness of it, and therefore he judged it best to
say the less at this time. Only he observed what a condition the Queen had brought her affairs unto when she
thought not fit to trust any of her countrymen in this business; and before her resignation she distrusted the
performance of the conditions of it towards herself, and therefore would have this secret article as a bridle to
them. But as she distrusted her own party, so she testified great confidence in the Protector and in Whitelocke,
to whom she propounded this secret article of so much concernment to her.
Whitelocke persuaded her Majesty to appoint faithful persons to order her revenue for her, and not to stay
long here after her resignation, because she would then find a great difference in the carriage of persons to
her. She said she had taken care about her revenue as he had advised her, and that she would be gone out of
Sweden presently after her resignation; that she expected the alteration of men’s carriages towards her
after it, but it would not trouble her; that the world was of such a condition, that nothing of respect was to be
looked for but where advantage was hoped for by it. She never esteemed the fawnings of men for their own
ends, but her own private contentment and satisfaction.
122 Whitelocke sent his son James and his secretary (Earle) to Canterstein with a copy of the form which
Whitelocke intended to follow in the instrument intended to be delivered by him, where he put the
Protector’s name first, and some other small variations, as usage required; wherewith Canterstein
promised to acquaint the Chancellor and to return an answer.
Whitelocke employed his son for his experience to be gained in these affairs.
April 12, 1654.

Woolfeldt opposes the secret article. Mr. Woolfeldt having done Whitelocke the favour to dine with him, they
retired and discoursed privately to this effect:—
Woolfeldt. The Queen was pleased the last night to send for me, and to communicate to me the matter of a
secret article which, she said, she had before imparted to you.
Whitelocke. What is your opinion of such an article?
April 12, 1654. 56

Woolf. Truly, I dissuaded her from it, as not convenient, in my poor opinion, for either party.
Wh. I know your judgement is grounded upon solid reason.
Woolf. My reasons are, because this article is to be kept secret, and to be added as a part of the treaty by her
Majesty without the knowledge of those here, which, when it shall come to be known, will give them the
more cause of objection and hatred against her for it, and expose her to more inconveniences than it can bring
advantage to her; and therefore I thought it better for her Majesty to forbear it.
123 Wh. Your reasons were the true ones: was her Majesty convinced by them?
Woolf. She seemed to make more doubt of it than at first, but told me that you were not much against it, and
desired to confer with me about it while she was out of town, and she wished me to prepare something against
her return.
Wh. As I told her Majesty, I can consent to nothing in this point, having no instructions in any matter of this
nature, as you will easily believe; but if her Majesty shall think fit to have anything drawn up by way of a
secret article, all that I can do will be to present it to the Protector at my return home, and I know he will be as
ready as any person to show respect to the Queen; but what he will do as to a consent in this particular I
cannot tell, but am doubtful lest it may be apprehended as a weakening of the treaty and alliance.
Woolf. That is a great and true objection against it; and, in my opinion, it would be better for the Queen to
write a letter to the Protector in general compliment, and in it to desire him to be a friend to her, and to give
her his assistance upon any occasion that may fall out concerning her; and this letter may be sent by you, and
delivered by your hand to the Protector, when you may acquaint him with anything further or more
particularly relating to her Majesty.
Wh. I think this will be much the better way; and if such a letter be sent by me, I hope I shall be able to
procure such an answer, or, upon any occasion, such a return as will be to the contentment of her Majesty. But
in case the Queen should sign such an article, and then the Protector should not approve it, 124 it would
distaste the Queen and her friends, and she would be censured to have done too low an act in it.
Woolf. I had yesterday a long discourse with the Chancellor about your affairs of England, and particularly of
your fleet now at sea—what should be the design of having so strong a fleet at sea, the sea-war between
you and your enemies being reported at an end, and peace concluded; and whether your design might be for
France or Spain or Portugal.
Wh. Or for the defence of England.
Woolf. He was much amused about it.
Wh. I hope that was not lessened by you.
Woolf. No indeed; I endeavoured to amuse him more, and told him, that for France, England did not care to
have it; it would be but a charge and no benefit to them, and embroil them in a long chargeable war.
Wh. England hath had experience thereof formerly when they were masters of France, and many of us think
our own country as good as France.
Woolf. I am of that opinion; and I told him there was as little probability for any design against Spain because
of its distance, and little advantage to England by a war with them.
April 12, 1654. 57

Wh. I hope you commended a kingdom called Denmark?
Woolf. I first told him that for Portugal or the Indies the like objections were against any design for them; but
as for Denmark, I told him that England had just cause to make war upon that king, and that it would be no
hard business to gain upon him; and the advantage of traffic made me think that to be the most probable
design of any other to be intended by 125 this great fleet of England, wherein it is most likely for you to gain
advantage to your Commonwealth and to give offence to none, having a just cause of quarrel against him.
Wh. Your brother the King of Denmark hath given cause indeed to be visited.
Woolf. I shall inform you of one thing, of which you may now make advantage. Your King James made a
treaty with the last King of Denmark concerning the Isles of the Orcades, which were claimed by the Dane as
part of their territories; and after the death of King James and our last King, that then, upon payment of
£13,000 by the Dane, he should have the Orcades again. Now both these kings being dead, according to that
treaty it is in the liberty of the King of Denmark to redeem those islands; and it would be good for you, in the
treaty with that Crown, who would be included in your treaty with the Hollanders, to have a clause for the
present King of Denmark to quit his pretences to the Orcades upon the treaty with King James.
Wh. This is a very material thing, and I shall not fail to do somewhat in it, if I can return to England time
enough; and I thank you for putting me in mind of it.
Discussion on the Guinea settlements. Grave Eric came to Whitelocke, who had much discourse with him
touching Guinea, and the injuries done by the Swedes to the English there.
Grave Eric. One of the principal persons of the Swedish plantation there is now in this country, and complains
of injuries done by the English to the Swedes there. I think it may be fit to hear both the complaints of the one
and of the other part, and thereupon 126 to come to some agreement upon the whole matter.
Whitelocke. I have here many examinations taken upon oath concerning this matter.
Gr. Eric. Those complaints ought to be determined by the King of that country, who sold the lands to the
planters, and can resolve all differences about that matter.
Wh. I believe that the complaints of this nature are properly to be made to the Queen, whose subjects are
concerned in them, and they are always under her rule.
Gr. Eric. The Queen will make no difficulty to do justice in this case, and I hope that the Protector will do the
like.
Wh. You need not at all to doubt it.
Gr. Eric. This messenger, now come to me, hath brought me letters from the Queen, in which there is mention
of this business.
Wh. Why may not an article touching Guinea be inserted with the rest?
Gr. Eric. That will not be convenient, because the articles are entirely concluded and engrossed on our part;
and this of Guinea is but a particular business, which till now came not under consideration, nor hath been
examined, and it will be better to have an article by itself upon this subject.
April 12, 1654. 58

Wh. I am satisfied with your reason, and think this way will be no disadvantage to the merchants of either
nation. I desire an addition to the article touching passports, that none shall do anything contrary to the letters
of passport.
Gr. Eric. I cannot consent to that, for it will render the whole article fruitless in both parts; and there is 127
another article, that in case any shall act anything in prejudice of the treaty, he shall be punished.
In consideration of this article, and in regard that the agreement touching the form of passports was remitted
to something to be done therein afterwards, and he found Eric stiff against any alteration, Whitelocke did not
think it material to insist further upon it. As to that which Whitelocke desired to the last article of ratification,
that the words “vel successoribus suis” might be omitted, Eric said he would consent thereunto
if he found it material, and desired the business might be finished; and he desired Whitelocke to excuse a little
small delay at present by his absence for a few days, he being necessitated to go out of town tomorrow, but at
his return all should be concluded; and as soon as the Queen came back, the whole business should be
finished, which had been done before, but by reason of the Queen’s unexpected journey.
April 13, 1654.

Whitelocke confers with the Chancellor, and invites him to dinner. In the morning the Chancellor came to
Whitelocke and staid with him near three hours. They had much debate touching Guinea, to the like effect as
before with his son; they had also debate about the amendments which Whitelocke had desired might be
inserted in the articles, chiefly that touching passports, to which the Chancellor would by no means agree. He
likewise said to Whitelocke:—
Chancellor. The Queen caused the articles to be copied out, to the end (as I believe) to communicate them to
the Prince, which will be for the greater validity of the treaty and alliance.
128 Whitelocke. I am glad her Majesty is pleased to take the advice of the Prince in this business, and am
willing to promise myself that nothing is contained in the articles which he will not approve.
Chan. I believe the same.
Wh. This might be the occasion that my business was not finished before her Majesty’s going out of
town.
Chan. I myself am also going into the country, and come now to take my leave of you.
Wh. I hope you will return before her Majesty.
Chan. I purpose to stay abroad but four or five days; and I find that frequent exercise and change of air
tendeth very much to the improving of my health.
Wh. I do heartily wish your health, and hope that the Queen and you will shortly be in town again, and that
then my business will be finished.
Chan. There is no doubt but that your business will be despatched within a very few days after the
Queen’s return.
They had much other discourse touching the affairs of England, in which the Chancellor testified much
respect to England and to the Protector.
April 13, 1654. 59

Whitelocke invited the Chancellor to dinner to his house, but he excused himself, alleging that his age and
infirmities would not permit him to take a meal out of his own house, or at the houses of some of his children,
where he might enjoy the same liberty as at his own house. Whitelocke told him that he should have the same
liberty at his house, who was one of his sons, as he could take at the houses of any other of his children; but
the Chancellor earnestly desired to be excused, and Whitelocke thought not fit further 129 to importune him,
but desired him to hasten his return hither, which he promised to do.
Whitelocke received his letters from England, and in that from Thurloe he writes:—
Letters from Thurloe. “There hath been consideration taken of your return home, but the issue of the
treaty with the Dutch not being yet known, his Highness’s resolutions as to your return are deferred
until the next; the difficulty of that business lies in the article relating to the Danes, etc. All things else remain
as they did by my last, so that your Excellence will be saved this week the labour of reading my long letter.
This day we have a fast for the great drought.
“My Lady was here with me to hasten your return, wherein I should be glad to be instrumental. I pray
God preserve your Excellence, and bless the affairs under your hand. I am,
“Your Excellence’s humble servant,
“Jo. Thurloe.
“March 24th, 1653.
“I saw a letter to his Highness from Upsal, wherein some expressions were used as if your Excellence
were like to be removed from the Seal. His Highness commanded me to assure you that there are no such
intentions, but much the contrary, whereof your Excellence will have real demonstrations upon all
occasions.”
April 14, 1654.

Passport given to a Swedish ship. Grave Eric desired Whitelocke to give a passport to a Swedish ship bound
from Stockholm to Portugal. The Chancellor requested the same, and both father and son engaged to
Whitelocke that there was nothing aboard the vessel, nor any design in her voyage, against England; that she
was freighted for Portugal only, and that they should esteem the favour as done to 130 themselves, because
they had a share in the goods on board this ship. Whitelocke, though he were hardly persuaded to give his
passports to Swedish ships or to any other, yet considering the time when this was desired, and the persons
desiring it, he thought not fit to deny it, but gave it in this form.130
Whitelocke gave an account in his letters this day to Thurloe of all passages of moment since his last, and
wrote further:—
Letters to Thurloe. “My letters, I confess, have been tedious heretofore, but I ask your pardon, and do
hope that my business is now at such a period that I shall not have occasion to trouble you with the like.
“There is little to do here at this time; almost all the great lords and courtiers are gone out of town, so
that here is a lamentable silent place. I shall be heartily glad to receive my Lord’s order to authorize
my return; but my business being now ended, I presume I may expect his pleasure at any other place. I
purpose to visit the Queen-mother and the Prince of Sweden, because other ambassadors have done it, and I
have been particularly invited to it. I think it will be a respect from my Lord Protector 131 which they will
April 14, 1654. 60

take very kindly, and may be some strength to the alliance, and is not the less requisite for me, because our
enemies report that none but mechanics are of our party; but since our being here the Swedes acknowledge the
contrary.
“I hope within two or three weeks to be at sea, and that my God, who hath hitherto been so good to me,
will give me a safe return to my Lord and to my native country, to whom I wish all prosperity.
“Your affectionate friend to serve you,
“B. W.
“Upsal, 14th April, 1654.
“I hope you will pardon the importunity of my wife’s solicitation, being for my return. I have
been informed this week that some Holland ships are loading here with ordnance and other provisions of war.
I hope his Highness hath been pleased to give order for two or three ships to be at Hamburg for my
transportation into England, and therein I entreat your favour.
“B. W.”
In this letter Whitelocke also gave advice, what he had been informed touching the treaty between King James
and the last King of Denmark concerning the Orcades, with his humble opinion what was fit to be done in that
business, upon the comprehension of the Dane in the Dutch treaty, yet nothing was done therein; however,
Whitelocke was satisfied in the acquittal of himself to have done his duty.
Upon the earnest request of some Scots and English gentlemen on the behalf of Colonel Halsall, now in this
town, Whitelocke gave him this pass.131
132 April 15, 1654.

Excursion with the French Resident. The Resident of France having desired Whitelocke that when he went
abroad to take the air he would give him leave to accompany him, Whitelocke sent to him, this fair day
inviting and leisure not hindering it. They went together in Whitelocke’s coach to a wood, about an
English mile from Upsal, full of pines, fir-trees, and juniper, and very fair and pleasant walks in it. The beauty
of the day and place had also invited thither at this time the Ambassador of Denmark and the Holland
Resident, who, perceiving Whitelocke’s coaches and company, crossed out of the way where they
were, and betook themselves to another walk; but Whitelocke kept on in his, and with the French Resident had
much general discourse, but little of matters of state, because they could not trust one the other; yet
Whitelocke learnt from him the condition of several persons in principal credit in the Court of France, and the
way of their management of affairs. This gentleman was very civil and courteous and good company, desiring
the conversation of Whitelocke, which he afforded him both going 133 abroad and in his house, to which the
Resident did him the favour to be no stranger.
Whitelocke told him he purposed to go by Nordköping, and by the way to visit the Queen-mother and the
Prince, and to have his ship meet him there. The Resident said the ship could not easily come to Nordköping,
being no good harbour; but his best way would be to go from thence to Calmar, and his ship to meet him
there, the haven being open and the ship may come near the town; and that Nordköping was the midway
between Stockholm and Calmar, and the ship might be as soon at Calmar as at Nordköping; that the passage
to Lübeck was much easier from Calmar than from Nordköping, and with a good wind might be made from
Calmar in two days. But hereof Whitelocke intended to have the advice of some Swedes.
132 April 15, 1654. 61

April 16, 1654.

Great wealth of the Oxenstiern family. Monsieur Bloome this Lord’s Day dined with Whitelocke, and
told him that the Chancellor had left him in town to keep Whitelocke company in the absence of the
Chancellor, and to assure him that the Chancellor would return again in a very few days. Whitelocke made
much of him, and had good informations from him. He said that Grave John Oxenstiern, the
Chancellor’s eldest son, had at that time, whilst his father was alive, above £20,000 sterling of yearly
revenue, which he had from his father and by his wife, an inheritrix; and that Grave Eric, the second son, had
in his father’s lifetime near £10,000 sterling of yearly revenue, besides what both of them might expect
from their father: and therefore both father and 134 sons might, as they did, live in great state and with
attendance of much port and ceremony.
Grave Leonhough bestowed a visit on Whitelocke. He is a senator and one of the College of War, a person of
great esteem and good parts; his conversation was full of civility; his discourse (in French) was rational, and
for the most part upon matter of war, history, and the mathematics. In his company was an officer, his
brother-in-law, who had served the King of Portugal in his late wars, and was a civil person, and seemed a
gallant man. This Grave had been long bred up in the wars, and was now a Major-General; and his discourse
showed him to be knowing and modest. He demanded of Whitelocke many questions touching the affairs of
England, and particularly of the late civil dissensions there, and had a full account thereof from Whitelocke,
by which he seemed to receive much satisfaction, and acknowledged that he had not heard the truth before,
and that this relation justified the proceedings of the Parliament. He spake nothing to Whitelocke touching his
business of the treaty, nor did Whitelocke mention it to this Grave, whom he never saw before, and because it
was a day for other duties.
April 17, 1654.

A serenade to Whitelocke. Upsal being very empty, by the absence of the Queen and all the great Lords, who
were retired to their country-houses, but most of them to Stockholm, it was given out that her Majesty would
not return to this place, but remain at Stockholm, and that the General Assembly should be held there; which
was not 135 believed by Whitelocke, because the Queen had assured him that she would return to Upsal
within eight or ten days, and she never brake her word with him.
Her absence, and the leisure which they had thereby, gave opportunity to some of her musicians (Italians and
Germans) to pass a compliment on Whitelocke, to come to his house, and with great ceremony to entertain
him with their vocal and instrumental music, which was excellent good; and they played many lessons of
English composition, which the gentlemen who were musical of Whitelocke’s family brought forth
unto them.
April 18, 1654.

The Swedish army. Whitelocke returned a visit to the Grave Leonhough, whose lodgings were but mean, such
as the town would afford, but his treatment was with great civility. Amongst other discourse he inquired
touching the discipline of war and ordering the soldiery in England, who, he said, must be well paid, or else
they could not be kept in good order. Whitelocke acknowledged that to be very true, and said that in England
special care was taken for the constant and due pay of the armies much beyond other countries, by which
means they were kept in the best and strictest discipline of any armies in the world; that violence or plunder,
contrary to the articles of war, was severely punished.
April 16, 1654. 62

The Grave acquainted Whitelocke that he was to go out of town the next day to a general muster, about four
leagues from hence, within the province where he had the government; which occasioned Whitelocke to 136
inquire of him, and to be informed that this was the standing militia of the country, and that the manner of it
was thus:—
The whole militia of Sweden in the country, besides the standing forces of their armies in service, doth consist
of 50,000 horse and foot, whereof 12,000 horse and 38,000 foot in the several provinces are constantly in a
readiness to be drawn forth in fourteen days’ time. In Sweden are about 5000 horse and 20,000 foot,
and in Finland and the other provinces about 8000 horse and 20,000 foot: in all, above 50,000. That the
Crown is not at any charge for the pay of these militia forces, unless they are drawn forth into actual service,
and then they are paid as their other army forces are, which is not very much or constant; but when they are in
an enemy’s country they live upon the country, and take contribution, if not plunder; and somewhat is
allowed them by the Crown, as so much in money (which is a very small proportion) and such a weekly
quantity of bread, butter, and cheese for every foot-soldier, and a like proportion for the horsemen; whose
charge may be guessed at by that of their officers, of whom it was affirmed that the allowance to a captain of
horse was his stove and his stable, and twenty rix-dollars a year. His stove they call his fire, candle, and
entertainment for himself; his stable, that is horse-meat, and room, and shoeing; and for himself from the
Crown (besides what he gets from the country) but twenty rix-dollars a year, with the like proportion for other
officers and soldiers.
The manner of maintaining their militia forces in the country was said to be this:—A horseman was
quartered in the house of a boor, or husbandman; if the 137 man will work himself and his horse with the
boor, to help him in his husbandry, then the boor gives the man and his horse entertainment freely, and hath
their work for it, which is more worth than their meat, and the boor will give the man perhaps some small sum
of money besides. By this way the boor hath an advantage—the work of a man and a horse for their
meat only; and the horseman hath an advantage—his own and his horse’s meat, besides what
the Crown allows him, and himself and horse kept in better condition by it; and without his work, the boor is
not compellable to find him but his lodging only.
In like manner it is for the foot-soldier. He is quartered with a boor, and must work for the boor, or have no
diet from him; but they do work generally, and by that means the soldier is kept out of idleness. The
countryman hath a benefit by his work for his diet only, whereas he must give diet and wages to a servant; and
the soldier by his work hath his diet besides what the State allows him, and so he and his landlord are both
well pleased. But the Crown hath the greatest advantage, which hereby saves the great pay which otherwise
they must allow; and yet these forces are constantly in a readiness when the occasions of the Crown require
their service.
The officers of these militia forces have no pay at all but when they are in actual service, neither do they
expect any pay, being gentlemen of quality and interest in the country: the chief of whom, who are fit for it,
are made colonels; the next to them lieutenant-colonels, majors, captains, and inferior officers, according to
their rank of the country gentlemen, known and beloved among their neighbours, with whom their interest 138
and power, increased by their command, makes them the better followed and obeyed. When they write out
any from the militia to serve in the armies, these officers and the lords of the boors appoint them; and if any
offend, they are presently written out to send abroad into Russia, Poland, Germany, and other parts, from
whence they do not all return safe, but are kept in great awe and obedience.
This day here fell a great quantity of snow, and was in one night so hard frozen that it would bear a cart; the
English wondered at it, but not this country men, the like being here usual at this time of the year and after.
The Countess of Brahe, wife of the Ricks-Droitset, sent a gentleman to Whitelocke to acquaint him that there
was a parcel of timber, cut and lying ready within four miles of Gothenburg, which did belong to her former
April 18, 1654. 63

husband, and was cut for the building of a ship; but by reason of her husband’s death the ship was not
built, and she offered the timber to Whitelocke at a reasonable price. But he, finding that it had been cut four
years, and lay far from the water-side, made an excuse that it would be necessary to have it viewed, which his
hastening away would not now permit; but he returned thanks to the Countess for her respects in the offer of
it.
April 19, 1654.

Preparations for the abdication. Monsieur Bloome and divers others, having dined with Whitelocke,
acquainted him that the Chancellor intended to return hither the next day after the Queen. Whitelocke said he
hoped the Chancellor would have 139 been here before her Majesty; but this was an argument to confute the
report that the Queen would stay at Stockholm and hold the Ricksdag there. Another argument was, the
Queen’s officers removing and altering some of the hangings in Whitelocke’s house, being
longer and fitter for the rooms to be furnished in the castle for the Ricksdag than those which they put up in
their places in Whitelocke’s lodging.
April 20, 1654.

Swedish mines. In pursuance of former discourse with Monsieur Bloome, and by the desire of Mr. Bushel in
England to Whitelocke to inquire into it, he received a paper in French, from a person here employed about
the mines, to inform him by what means this person might be treated with to be brought into England for
improving of our mines there.
Hawks. Whitelocke also, by desire of a worthy friend in England, furnished himself with a direction how he
might procure some hawks out of this country, and chiefly from the isle of Deulandt, where the best hawks
are; and he had gained much acquaintance with Grave Gabriel Oxenstiern, Great Falconer and Master of the
Queen’s Hawks, who promised his furtherance of Whitelocke’s desires herein, and to assist and
direct any servant whom he should send hither for that purpose.
Mrs. Penn. One Catharine Penn, an Englishwoman, the widow of an officer of the Queen’s army,
entreated Whitelocke to present for her a sad petition to the Queen for some arrears due to her husband, which
matters Whitelocke was not forward to meddle with; but this being his 140 countrywoman, and of the ancient
family of Penn in Buckinghamshire, to which he had an alliance, Whitelocke did undertake to present her
petition to the Queen. He undertook the like for a decayed English merchant residing at Hamburg, who
petitioned the Queen for moneys owing to him at Bremen, where he could have no justice from the Governor,
Vice-Chancellor, and others in authority; and this he undertook to move to the Queen, upon the earnest
request of Mr. Bradshaw, Resident for the Protector at Hamburg, by his letters this day received.
He was also presented with a Latin epistle from one Jonas Olaii, begging for some charity, and who, to be
sure to go high enough, gave throughout his letter the style of “illustrissime Comes and Celsitudo
tua,” for which his gift from Whitelocke was the less.
Trade with Muscovy. In this day’s packet Whitelocke received letters from the Muscovia Company in
England, signed by the Governor and Consuls, in which they set forth the decay and loss of their trade in
Muscovia by supplantation of the Dutch, and the Great Duke’s disfavour to them, which they hope
may be altered upon the late change of government in England; that they understand there is now in this Court
an Ambassador from the Great Duke to the Queen; and they desire Whitelocke, that if this ambassador do
visit him, or if he think fit to visit the Russian Ambassador, that he would intimate this matter to him, which
they hope may much further their purpose of sending to the Great Duke for recovery of their trade.
April 19, 1654. 64

By this post Whitelocke received these letters from the Secretary Thurloe:—
141 Despatch from Thurloe. “For his Excellence my Lord Ambassador Whitelocke, at Upsal, in
Sweden. These.
“My Lord,
“Your letters of the 24th of February arrived here five or six days later than usual, and this
day’s post is not yet arrived. The peace with the Dutch hath been in such an uncertain condition, that it
was very hard to make a judgement concerning the issue of it. In the end of the last and beginning of this
week it was more probable that the war should continue than otherwise; and your Excellence will see by the
enclosed papers, which passed between the Commissioners of his Highness and the Ambassadors (which I
have sent to you because there is contained in them the true state of the treaty as it stood whilst the differences
lasted); the last of those papers will let your Excellence see that they are now very near a closure; and the truth
is, that there is now nothing wanting but the drawing up of things into form, and the signing on both sides,
which I believe will be effected within three or four days at furthest. But because we cannot rely upon the
peace as made until it be actually signed, his Highness will defer the sending instructions to you in reference
either to your present negotiation or returning home until the next, when your Excellence may certainly except
them; and in the meantime your Excellence may rest assured that there hath been no other cause in delaying
instructions to you upon this subject but the desire that there is in everybody to give you clear directions in so
doubtful a case as this. If your staying or returning did depend upon your own negotiation there, it were easy
to leave you to your own guidance; but when it rests merely upon the conclusion of the present treaty here
with the Dutch, it is not possible to give you any instructions which you may with safety act upon until the
issue thereof be perfectly known; and after that, your Excellence shall not be an hour without the knowledge
of his Highness’s pleasure thereupon.
“It is certain this State hath moved upon Christian 142 grounds only in making this peace: we have not
been beaten or frightened into it; the Dutch have not yet any fleet at sea, nor can have this month, if the war
should continue. In the meantime we have a hundred and forty sail at sea, and better ships than we have had at
any time heretofore, which gives occasion to all our neighbours to wonder at our intentions thereby.
“Since I began my letter I have been with the Dutch Ambassador, and every article is agreed word for
word, so that nothing now remains to be done but to write them over and sign, which will be done upon
Monday next. It is not possible for me to send unto your Excellence a copy of the articles as they are now
agreed; I hope to do it by the next, when you will be satisfied concerning the reports I hear there are in
Sweden, concerning the honourable terms the Dutch have gotten by this treaty. I know not what men may
expect in matters of honour; I am sure the true interest of the nation, both in point of trade and otherwise, is
provided for more fully than ever hath been in any treaty made between these States.
“The French Ambassador had a public audience on Monday last. There is joined with him in
commission one Monsieur le Baas, in quality of a Commissary, who is a great confidant of the
Cardinal’s, and a very crafty man. The French doth certainly intend by all means to make a league with
his Highness, and offers very frankly and considerably as to our present interest. The Spaniard thinks he saith
more to invite the Protector to look that way and embrace an alliance with him; and sure he is the steadier
friend, and hath the better and more considerable trade.142
“The news I have either from France or Holland this week your Excellence will receive enclosed. The
affairs in Scotland do not much alter: Middleton is very active to 143 get an army, but keeps in the most
northerly parts. We never met with any of their forces but we beat them—the last letters being that we
fell upon a party and took forty prisoners and sixty horse, which is all we have from thence.
April 20, 1654. 65

“I have done my utmost to get the Swedish ships released; but to say the truth, although some of the
Swedes are innocent, yet many of them appear to be deceivers, which makes the rest fare the worse. I
endeavoured to get a resolution of the case your Excellence wrote about by your former letters, so as to have
sent it by this post, but could not; the orders which have been made about it since my last I have sent, whereof
your Excellence may see the care that is had to do justice therein.
“What your Excellence is informed concerning the preferring of the Agent of the Swiss to Lagerfeldt
in their farewell, is a great mistake. I know no honour done to him at his going away, but the sending the
answer of his letter to him by the master of the ceremony; he had neither gift nor entertainment that I know of.
“I hope the copy of the articles of the Dutch treaty, which I formerly sent, your Excellence hath
received before now. I am sorry to hear that your entertainment in Sweden begins to be like my Lord St.
John’s in Holland; but I trust the Lord will continue his protection to yourself and family, which is the
prayer of
“Jo. Thurloe.
“March 31, 1654.
“Monsieur Bonnele, the Queen of Sweden’s Commissary, hath desired audience to deliver a
letter congratulatory to his Highness from the Queen. The superscription is not very right; besides, your
Excellency having writ nothing about it, some difficulty hath been in the delivery of it; but yet at last resolved
to receive it as it is.”
This letter is inserted to show by it the constant way and course of intelligence, and the generality 144 and
clearness of it, between Thurloe and Whitelocke, whereby his business and reputation in this Court was very
much advanced, and Whitelocke made great use and advantage by it. The papers usually enclosed in
Thurloe’s letters were many, and contained all particulars of moment touching the Dutch treaty, as also
relating to the affairs of England and of most parts of Christendom. One clause in this letter of
Thurloe’s, that, after the Dutch treaty had concluded, his Highness would send new instructions to
Whitelocke, for his direction to proceed in the treaty in Sweden,—this gave much trouble and
perplexity of thoughts to Whitelocke. He could not imagine what those new instructions should be. If they
should be contrary to what he had already agreed, it would be not only to the dishonour of Whitelocke, but of
the Protector likewise and of the English nation, for him to go back from what he had before assented to, and
to go out here with a snuff, retracting his former agreement, or else he must proceed contrary to his
instructions, which would not be ratified; and both of these mischiefs great enough. He was in suspense
whether he should seal the articles here beforehand, or expect the receipt of these instructions before he signed
them. He considered that if he should defer the signing of the articles till after the receipt of those new
instructions, that then they could not at all be signed by the present Queen, who intended to continue but one
week in the government, and if she did not sign in that time she could not sign at all; but the whole must be
remitted to a new treaty with the new King, upon new credentials, commission, and instructions, which would
require much time and trouble.
145 He thought not fit to communicate his doubts, but resolved with himself to proceed to the finishing of the
treaty without staying for new instructions from England, because otherwise all his negotiation would become
fruitless; and he held himself obliged, in honour and conscience, to make good what he had already assented
unto before any mention of new instructions came to him, and what he had done being pursuant to his former
instructions, and in his judgement for the advantage and good of England.
April 20, 1654. 66

He was also willing to persuade himself that the new instructions would extend only to the order of his return,
and was so to be taken by Thurloe’s letter, and to the close of his whole negotiation; wherein he had
done nothing, and resolved not to do anything, but what he believed to be just and honest. He was also
troubled lest the Queen should put off the treaty upon some distaste about the secret article, and yet pretend
only the absence of her Chancellor; but Whitelocke left all to the providence of God, and His blessing upon
honest and diligent means, wherein he resolved not willingly to be wanting. And whether to put it off or to
proceed to the despatch of it seemed the more difficult, because of a letter from his wife, wherein she wrote
that Thurloe said to her, that it was fit her husband should receive certain instructions what to do before his
coming away, because, if he should do anything too suddenly, without good warrant, it might cost him his
life. This indeed were a worthy and meet recompense for all the hardships, perils, and faithful services
undergone and performed for those who were then in power; but his hope and expectation of reward was from
above the highest of them.
146 April 21, 1654.

Despatches to Thurloe. Whitelocke made his despatches for England, and part of his letters to Thurloe was
this:—
“The Queen and Court being out of town, this is a solitary place. The Danish Ambassador and the
Dutch Resident are still here. The Spanish, German, and Muscovite Envoys are gone away. My business
remains in a readiness to be signed, which is appointed upon the Queen’s return; and she is looked for
every day. If they be not signed within these few days, it cannot be done by her at all, because she intends to
resign the Government the beginning of May, and perhaps the Prince may be crowned in June; and two or
three months after that will pass before new credentials can be sent from his Highness, and it may be two or
three months in ceremony and despatch of the business, by which time another winter will be here.
“Upon which considerations I humbly conceive it much more for the service of my Lord to despatch
my business here out of hand, and the rather because of the conclusion of the Dutch treaty, which I hope will
prove very prosperous to our nation.
“My articles had been signed before the Queen’s going away but that she was willing to
communicate them to the Prince before her Commissioners signed them, which I likewise thought very fit to
be done, in regard he is so near the succession; and I likewise intend to salute him from my Lord Protector
before my going out of this country.
“I am now only in expectation of his Highness’s further commands and instructions concerning
my return, which I hope for by the next post.
“I give you most hearty thanks for the papers, which are not only a comfort but very useful to me here.
I received formerly from you a copy of the Dutch articles, and if I did not return you thanks for them, I
confess I forgot myself, and likewise if in one of my letters I did not acquaint you that the Queen had an
intention (as she told 147 me) of sending a congratulatory letter to my Lord the Protector; but how the
direction of it was I know not, because I never saw it; but I take it as a particular favour to me, that his
Highness was pleased to receive it, though it were not as it ought to have been, wherein he hath answered the
respect of the Queen, who excepted against my credentials, but yet received them.
“I am exceeding glad of your good conclusion of the Dutch business, which, I am persuaded, will be of
great advantage to our nation; and I look upon the issue of my business here being agreed before the issue of
our treaty with the Dutch was known, to be both a particular respect to the Protector and Government, and less
difficult than it would have been if transacted after our agreement with the Dutch.
146 April 21, 1654. 67

“They are much amused in these parts at our gallant fleet, and so early at sea; and I permit them all
their conjectures, neither have they gained much allay of them from me by their inquisitiveness.
“I had a compliment sent me the last night from the Dutch Resident, that he hoped ere long to have an
opportunity to come and visit me; I answered, that I should not be wanting in that civility which became me.
“I was entreated by the citizens of Stockholm to receive this suit of theirs in the enclosed paper.
“B. W.
“April 21, 1654. Upsal.”
April 22, 1654.

University Library at Upsal. The French Resident visited Whitelocke, and, seeing him ready to go take the air,
offered him his company, which Whitelocke could not refuse. They went together to the Library of this
University, where there are many good books, for the most part brought out of Germany; but it is not
extraordinary, nor exceeding the public libraries in England and elsewhere. One 148 of Whitelocke’s
gentlemen held it not exceeding his lord’s private library at his own house in England, as he affirmed
to some of the scholars here, who were not pleased therewith, nor would easily believe that the English
Ambassador’s library in his private house was to be compared to that of their University.
The keeper of this library is one Doctor Lovenius, there present, a learned and civil person, who hath
published several books in print, touching the laws and government and antiquities of his country, in good
Latin; and both himself and his works are worthy of esteem. He was attending upon Whitelocke all the time of
his being in the library and in the public places of the University, and informed him of such things as he
inquired touching the same; and, to gratify their civility, Whitelocke sent them twenty of his own books which
he had in his house, all of them English authors, as the Primate of Armagh’s works, Sir Henry
Spelman, Selden, and others; which was a present very acceptable, and kindly received by the University from
him.
University of Upsal. They affirm this University to be very ancient; but there are no colleges or public houses
for the maintenance of the scholars, or public revenue belonging to them; so that they do not live together in
bodies or companies by themselves, but every one severally as he can agree or find for his convenience. But
here are divers public rooms or schools where the professors and scholars use to meet and perform their
exercises openly; and the rooms of their library are three, about twenty foot square apiece.
There are all sorts of professors for the arts and sciences, who are promised good salaries, but they complain
149 that they are not well paid; and though some of them be very learned, yet they take not much pains; it
may be according to the proverb, “mal payé mal servi”—he that is ill paid doth but ill
service. Some counted the number of scholars to be about three hundred, which is not more than may be
found in one college in England. They make great preparation by printing their theses and publishing them,
and inviting the grandees to their disputations, where the Queen in person is sometimes present, though the
exercise is only the art of well disputing, except in some of their professors and eminent persons.
Their University is a kind of corporation, like others, their want of supplies not affording them so much
perfection, and their defect of government giving them liberty and temptation to disorder, to which they are
much addicted; but in their sermons, whilst the English were among them, they would propose them as a
pattern of civility and pious conversation. Their government is by a Chancellor, who at present is the
Ricks-Chancellor; and it hath constantly been in the hands of some eminent and great person.
April 22, 1654. 68

Cathedral of Upsal. Whitelocke and the Resident visited the Cathedral Church, which is fair and large, built
with brick, and covered with copper. They affirm it to be one of the most ancient churches of Europe, and that
the Gospel was here early planted, but earlier in the church of old Upsal, which is of a quadrangular form, and
formerly dedicated to their heathen gods. Their cathedral, they say, was the seat of an arch-flamen; and in the
places of arch-flamens and flamens, upon their conversion to Christianity (as in England, so here), bishops
and archbishops were instituted; and now 150 their cathedral, as other churches, is full of images, crucifixes,
and such other furniture as the Lutheran churches tolerate, and is little different therein from the Popish
churches.
The Resident and Whitelocke took also a view of the castle and city of Upsal. The castle is near the town,
seated upon the point of a hill; it is built of brick, plastered over, strong and beautiful. If it had been finished,
the design was to have had it four-square; but two sides of it only are built. It had been very large and noble if
it had been perfected. As it is, it contains many rooms, and sufficient for the Court; some of them are great
and stately, but up two stories, after the fashion of that country. If it had been finished, it would have equalled
any other, if not the castle of Stockholm itself.
Environs of Upsal. The prospect from the castle is very beautiful; the country round about it pleasant and
fruitful, and distinguished into meadows, pastures, and arable fields, and the river Sale passing through them,
which loseth itself about half a league from thence into a great lake. The river is navigable with boats of about
twenty or thirty tons, many leagues together, going through the lake also; it is not muddy, nor unfurnished
with the fish of those parts, and is about half as broad as the Thames at Henley. It runs at the foot of the hill on
which the castle stands, and the town is built upon it; and it waters most part of the streets, to their great
commodity. It is for this reason called Upsal, because Ubbo—who, they say, was the son of Gomer, the
son of Japhet, the son of Noah—this Ubbo built this town upon the river Sale, and therefore called it,
after his own name, Ubbo Sale, by contraction of speech 151 now called Upsal. All agree it to be one of the
most ancient of their cities, the metropolitan see of their archbishop, and in old time the residence of their
kings, and where they were invested with the regal dignity. The country about it seemed one of the most
pleasant and fruitful of these parts. The town itself is not much beautified with stately buildings, not above
nine or ten houses being built with brick; the rest of them, after the fashion of their country, built with great
bodies of fir-trees, and covered with turf; the fairest of their brick houses was that where the English
Ambassador lodged.
This city hath not much trade, and therefore not much wealth. The government of it is according to the
municipal law of the country, and as other cities are; their head officer is a Burgomaster, who hath for his
assistants a council, in the nature of the common councils in our corporations in England, consisting of the
principal burgesses and inhabitants of the city, who have power, with the Burgomaster, as to making of
ordinances, and in the government.
In their journey to take the air the Resident and Whitelocke had much discourse touching the images in their
church, and about the observation of their Sabbath; wherein the Resident was furnished with the usual
arguments of the Papists, and was answered by Whitelocke, and was not so positive as most of his persuasion
use to be. He discoursed also about the Dutch treaty in England, to get from Whitelocke what he could to
report to the Danish Ambassador and Dutch Resident; for which he was fitted by Whitelocke’s
answers to him.
152 April 23, 1654.

Whitelocke punishes two of his retinue for neglect of the Lord’s Day. This being the Lord’s
Day, many gentlemen of the English and Scots nation then in town came to Whitelocke’s house to the
morning sermon, and most of them staid the afternoon sermon also. And so many strangers being there
152 April 23, 1654. 69

attentive in the holy duties, it gave the greater cause of scandal and offence to Whitelocke that divers of his
own family were absent, whereas, by his orders, they were all enjoined to a constant attendance, especially at
those religious exercises; nevertheless some of them (particularly Mr. Castle and Andrew Potley) were therein
more in fault than others, and, after many admonitions, would not reform, but made it their common practice
almost every Lord’s Day in the afternoon to be absent, and to go abroad and take the air. Whitelocke
considering the reproach and scandal, and the ill example hereby to his family, and the doing of that by some
of them against which he had spoken so much here to the people of this place, upon which it would be
collected that either he had not the power over his own people to order them as he judged fit, or else that he
and the rest of his company were dissemblers, and found fault with that in others which they either acted or
tolerated in themselves;—Whitelocke finding two absent on this day, he gave order to his steward to
see their trunks and goods carried out of his house, and themselves dismissed of further attendance on him,
and removed from his family. Yet afterwards, upon the interceding of others for them, and their own
submission, the punishment was suspended; and when they perceived that Whitelocke was in earnest, 153 it
caused a reformation, both in those two and in others, as to this duty and in other particulars.
The Queen returns to Upsal. About nine o’clock this evening the Queen came to town. She had in her
train but one coach with six horses, and three horsemen; so little ceremony did she observe as to her own port,
but would rather make this sudden and private return than break her word with Whitelocke, whom in a
compliment she had promised to be here again within a few days; and she kept her word honourably and
constantly. But Whitelocke was sorry that she continued her old custom, too frequent here, of travelling upon
the Lord’s Day.
April 24, 1654.

Whitelocke pays his court to the Queen. Whitelocke waited on the Queen to give her the welcome home, and
found her lodgings changed, leaving the better rooms for the Prince. She excused her long stay out of town,
and said she would now have no more delay in his business, but it should be forthwith despatched.
Whitelocke told her that the Chancellor and his son were not yet come to town, but he humbly thanked her
Majesty for the speed of her return. She assured him that her Chancellor and his son would be in town the next
day, and that she should not have come to town so soon but for his business; that the day after her
Chancellor’s coming the articles might be signed. She likewise discoursed with him about the secret
article, that in case those here should not perform justly with her, that then the Protector should not be bound
by this treaty. Whitelocke told her that Woolfeldt and he had conference 154 about it, and had fully
considered it, and were both of opinion that it would be unfit for her Majesty to make such an article, and it
might turn to her prejudice; but Whitelocke said, that if she pleased to write to the Protector, and to leave her
letters with Whitelocke to procure an answer from his Highness to her Majesty, whereby his care for her good
and assistance to her might appear, and the letter to be fit to be shown, it might be of more advantage to her
than such a secret article, to which he was not empowered to assent, but it must be remitted to the Protector;
and whether he would consent to it in that way or not, was doubtful; and when it should be known to those
here, it would be distasteful. Upon this the Queen seemed fully satisfied as to the secret article to be laid aside
and not more thought on.
Whitelocke advised her as formerly touching her liberty, and not long continuing here after her resignation;
and she thanked him for his advice, and said, that in case those here should not deal justly with her, she hoped
she should find the Protector a friend to her, and that she did put herself upon his nobleness and friendship.
Whitelocke told her, that the Protector was a great lover and maintainer of justice and honour, and had a
particular affection to her Majesty, which he believed she would find him ready to manifest upon this or any
other occasion, and find him a true friend to her; wherewith (poor lady!) she seemed much comforted, having
brought her affairs to so low an ebb as this was, and thus high was the Protector’s reputation here. As
to the general business of the treaty with Whitelocke, she said it would be fit to have the articles signed
April 24, 1654. 70

tomorrow, and that 155 Whitelocke soon after should have his audience, and she would give order to have it
done accordingly.
She asked Whitelocke if he would bear her company to take the air, which he did; and she riding a horse
managed to the great saddle, who was troublesome, she came into her coach, and caused Whitelocke to sit in
the same boot with her, that they might discourse the more privately. There were also in her coach the Senator
Rosenhau, Grave Tott, and Steinberg.
Whitelocke presents his black horses to the Queen, The Queen freely told Whitelocke that if he would not sell
his horses, as she understood he would not, that yet she should take it for a favour if he would let her have one
of his sets of coach-horses, which would do her great service in her intended journey, they being fitter for
travel than any she had. Whitelocke told her they were all at her Majesty’s service; that he thought it
not becoming him to sell them, but if she pleased to accept them, she should freely have them; that he thought
his black horses fittest for her and best, and there were eight of them, and the other set he intended to present
unto the Prince; that, she said, would be very well, and she kindly thanked him and accepted of his
compliment.
some distilled waters, Whitelocke also told the Queen that he had a small cabinet of glasses of spirits of
waters, essences of excellent kinds, extracted; but he believed that her Majesty did not much esteem such
things, and they were too inconsiderable to make a present of them to the Queen-mother, if she had any liking
of them. The Queen said her mother was much pleased with such essences, and that she would send them to
her from Whitelocke. He asked when he should bring them, 156 and an English Bible which he promised to
the Queen. She said, tomorrow if he pleased, and that at all times he should be welcome to her.
April 25, 1654.

Grave Eric sent his secretary to Whitelocke to inform him of his being come to town purposely for the
despatch of his business, and for the signing of the articles; and he desired to know what time this afternoon
he might have the liberty to come and visit Whitelocke, after he had been with the Queen. Whitelocke told the
secretary that he should be glad to see his lord after Whitelocke had likewise been at the Court; and there they
met.
Whitelocke went in to the Queen and presented her with the cabinet of essences, which was of green velvet,
lined with silver lace very richly; within it were about twenty glasses of spirits of the rarest kinds, each glass
stopped with a silver head of English silver, to screw off and on, and a lock and key of the same; and opening
the cabinet the Queen smelt of most of the glasses, but tasted none of them; she highly commended them and
the cabinet, especially the English silver, whereof she had some discourse, and said she would send them to
her mother, who would be very glad of them.
and an English Bible; Then according to his promise he presented her Majesty with an English Bible, of a
very fair print and richly bound; and upon that they had this discourse:—
Whitelocke. If your Majesty would be pleased to spend some time in reading this Bible, and comparing it with
those in other languages, it would be a great 157 help to your understanding of the English, if your Majesty
have any further thoughts thereof.
Queen. My desire still is to gain the English tongue, and I think this which you mention will be a good way to
learn it. I ask your pardon that you staid so long before you came in to me; nobody told me of your being
without, and I am ashamed of this incivility.
April 25, 1654. 71

Wh. The incivility, Madam, is on my side, by interrupting your greater affairs; but I come not now as an
ambassador, but as a particular servant to bring this Bible to your Majesty.
Qu. It is a noble present, and there was the less reason to make you stay for admittance with it.
and exhorts her Majesty to read it. Wh. This book was presented to me by an English doctor, with a letter
mentioning the text that the Beræans were accounted the more noble because they received the word with
gladness, as I hope your Majesty will.
Qu. I receive it from you with much thankfulness, and shall gladly make use of it as the best of books.
Wh. Your Majesty, by often reading it, and comparing it with other Bibles, will not only thereby gain
advantage as to the language, but the highest comfort to your soul.
Qu. I have used to read much in the Bible, and take great contentment in it.
Wh. Your Majesty will find more contentment and comfort in the study of this book than of all other books
whatsoever, and therefore I do humbly recommend the often reading of it to your Majesty.
Qu. I doubt you have an ill opinion of me that you so earnestly persuade me to this, as if you thought me too
backward in it.
158 Wh. I only give my humble advice to your Majesty, out of my own experience, of the great comfort,
wisdom, and true pleasure which is to be met with in this book, and nowhere else, and that all things out of it
are of no value.
Qu. I am full of the same opinion; but there are too many who have not so venerable an opinion of it as they
ought to have.
Wh. There are indeed, Madam, too many who mock at this book, and at God himself, whose book it is; but
these poor worms will one day know that God will not be mocked, and that they and their reproaches will
sadly perish together; and I am glad to hear your Majesty’s distaste of such wicked ones.
Qu. Surely every good Christian ought to distaste such men and such opinions.
They had much more discourse upon the same subject, wherein Whitelocke spake the more, because he found
the Queen more inclined to it now than he had perceived her to be at other times.
Being come from the Queen, he spake with Grave Eric in another room, whose opinion was that it would be
fit to sign the articles on the morrow, and said that his father would be returned time enough to do it.
Whitelocke doubted that, by reason of his weariness after his journey, it might not be then convenient. Eric
replied, that there would be nothing to be done that would occasion trouble, the signing and putting the seals
to the articles already prepared and agreed on was all that was to be done. Whitelocke demanded if the power
given by the Queen to her Commissioners were sealed. Eric said it was not, but that Canterstein would be in
town this evening, and would see all done.
April 25, 1654. 72

159 April 26, 1654.

Whitelocke complains of further delays. Grave Eric came to Whitelocke’s house, and this discourse
passed between them:—
Whitelocke. It seems to me somewhat strange that after all things agreed between her Majesty’s
Commissioners and me, I should yet attend three weeks to obtain one half-hour for the signing of the articles.
Grave Eric. The Queen’s going out of town hath occasioned it, and the great business touching her
resignation, which hath so taken up all men’s thoughts and counsels, that there hath been hardly room
left for any other matter; and when the Queen goes away, those of the Council also take the liberty to go into
the country; and upon such extraordinary changes as these are, it is no strange thing for public ministers to be
retarded; and the same thing hath been practised upon your changes in England.
Wh. I have not observed, either in England or elsewhere, that after an agreement upon a treaty, and nothing
remaining but to sign and seal, that they have used afterwards to delay it three weeks together; yet I am
willing to promise myself that the servant of the Protector may expect from this Crown as much respect as any
other public minister.
Gr. Eric. There hath been more respect showed to you than hath been accustomed to any other. I believe your
business may be despatched in half an hour; and if my father return this evening time enough to do it, it may
be done this night; if not, then without fail tomorrow morning.
Wh. I am the more earnest herein, looking upon it as my duty to the Protector and my respect to this 160
Crown, to avoid any occasion of discontent between the two nations; and therefore I shall freely tell you that it
will be very material to have the articles signed this day or tomorrow, before I receive this week’s
letters, by which I expect to understand that the articles between England and Holland are signed; among
which articles one is, that neither the one nor the other confederate shall make any alliance with any other
prince or state, without first giving notice thereof to the other confederate. Now if the articles between the
Protector and the Queen be signed before I have notice of this by the Dutch articles being signed, the signing
of our articles here first will be without exception in this point; but if I receive this information from England
before the articles be signed here, it will be doubtful whether then I shall be in a capacity afterwards to sign
the articles here, whereupon sundry inconveniences will ensue, which I would willingly prevent.
Gr. Eric. This is indeed a material point, and I am much startled at it. I shall go and see if my father be come
to town, that I may acquaint him with it, and doubtless the business may be finished tomorrow.
Wh. What do you resolve to do in the matter I proposed touching Guinea?
Gr. Eric. The person concerned in that business is now in town; I shall bring him to you to give you
information therein, and upon speaking together we may come to some conclusion in it. I think the best way
will be to prepare an article to this purpose, that all injuries done by the one or the other party in the several
plantations in Guinea, and the satisfaction and 161 damages to be given to the parties grieved, be upon the
whole matter remitted to the consideration and arbitrement of persons to be chosen, as well by the company of
English merchants trading to those parts as of the merchants of this country having interest in the plantations
there.
Wh. I think this may be a good expedient for this business; and I shall rather submit to it than depart from
hence, without any agreement at all, to have this matter, either now or at some other time, to be taken into
consideration; and therefore if you please to direct an article to be drawn up to the effect proposed by yourself,
159 April 26, 1654. 73

and to send it to me to be perused, I shall be willing to consent to any reasonable settlement of this business;
so as my countrymen, the English merchants interested in that plantation, may have no cause to believe that I
have neglected what was specially recommended to me on their behalf, and that my superiors may see my
care in this as well as in other matters.
In the evening Monsieur Bloome sent word to Whitelocke that the Chancellor was come to town, and that
Canterstein was expected this night.
Presently Whitelocke sent to the Chancellor to know how he did after his journey, and when he might have
the liberty to visit him. The Chancellor answered that he was well, and purposed this evening or tomorrow
morning to go to the Queen, and afterwards he would send to Whitelocke to let him know what time they
might meet to finish his business. This seemed to Whitelocke a little different from the ordinary rules of
civility—that when he sent to the Chancellor to know at what time he might come to 162 him, the
Chancellor answered that his purpose was to go to the Queen; but Whitelocke hoped that the intent was to
receive her Majesty’s direction in his business.
April 27, 1654.

Signing the articles again deferred till the morrow. Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor to tell
him that the Chancellor was come to town purposely for the signing of the articles. Whitelocke said he was
much obliged to the Chancellor for so great a favour, and that, after three weeks elapsed since the articles
were agreed, he might now hope it would be thought seasonable to confirm that agreement with hand and seal.
Lagerfeldt answered that it might be done this day, and therefore he came to Whitelocke that his secretary
might meet with the Queen’s secretary, and they together might examine the books, which in the
evening may be signed and sealed by both parties.
Whitelocke. Hath Monsieur Canterstein procured the Queen’s patent to authorize her Commissioners
to conclude this treaty?
Lagerfeldt. It must be done before the signing of the articles, and then you may have your audience when your
Excellence pleaseth.
Wh. It were fit to have that done.
Lag. I know not whether the presents which her Majesty intends to make to your Excellence and your
company be yet ready; and I know the Queen intends to express as much honour to you as she hath done to
any ambassador whatsoever.
Wh. I desire no greater honour than the despatch of my business, and liberty to return home.
163 Lag. I shall serve your Excellence therein to the utmost of my power.
In the afternoon Whitelocke sent his son James and his secretary Earle, and Swift, with the articles and papers
touching his business, unto Canterstein, where they examined them and corrected what was mistaken. They
asked at what hour Whitelocke might repair to the Chancellor for signing the articles. Canterstein answered,
that the Chancellor was weary with his journey; but he went to him and brought word that, if Whitelocke
would come to the Chancellor about five or six o’clock this evening, he would be ready to confer with
him. This being reported to Whitelocke by his son, he sent him back to Canterstein to know whether the
Queen had sealed the grant of power to her Commissioners, who brought word that it was not done, and that
the Queen went out of town this evening, and returned not till tomorrow.
April 27, 1654. 74

After this message, and when Whitelocke saw that his letters of this week were not come, he sent to the
Chancellor to let him know that he feared it might be troublesome to him for Whitelocke to come to him this
evening, and that, if he pleased, Whitelocke would come to him the next morning. To which the Chancellor
willingly agreed, and appointed their meeting tomorrow, betwixt eight and nine o’clock in the
morning. The Chancellor inquired whether Whitelocke had yet received his letters from England. The servant
of Whitelocke said that the letters were not yet come, but that by the last week’s letters the news came
that the peace between England and Holland was certainly concluded; to which the Chancellor said, I desire to
be excused.
164 By these passages Whitelocke perceived that their little design was, notwithstanding all he had
endeavoured, that before they would sign the articles they desired to see this week’s letters; which he
took as directed by the good hand of Providence, in regard that by this means he should be the more excused
in what he intended to do, having staid for this week’s letters and received none, and the politicians
here would be deceived in their expectation. He wondered at the Queen’s going out of town before she
sealed the commission to her deputies: some thought the reason to be, because her intended presents were not
yet ready.
Whitelocke received a letter from the Protector’s Resident at Hamburg, wherein this was part:—
“For his Excellence my Lord Ambassador Whitelocke, Extraordinary Ambassador from England with
the Queen of Sweden. Humbly these.
“The English letters are not yet come, but from Holland they write that two expresses were come on
the 21st instant, with letters assuring that the peace was concluded and mutually signed, and that, as soon as
the ratification could arrive in England from the States General, hostility should cease.
“I am, my Lord,
“With tender of my humble service,
“Your Excellence’s most humble servant,
“Ri. Bradshawe.
“Hamburg, 15th April, 1654.”
Whitelocke made use of this intelligence as far as it would go; and some others in this town had the same
news from Holland.
165 April 28, 1654.

The signing of the treaty. At the time appointed Whitelocke and his company came to the Chancellor’s
lodging, with whom was his son Grave Eric and Secretary Canterstein. Whitelocke’s son James and
his secretary Earle were admitted into the room. All the time of their being there Secretary Canterstein was
uncovered and did not sit. Whitelocke’s son James was also bare, as became him, but was admitted to
sit down at the lower end of the table, on the same side with his father, who sat at the upper end, and the
Chancellor over-against him, and Grave Eric by his father.
The Chancellor acquainted Whitelocke that the Queen had shown the articles to the Prince, who did well
approve of them, and desired to have a strict league and friendship with the Protector, and that the Prince was
165 April 28, 1654. 75

ready in what should appertain to him to contribute to that end. Whitelocke answered that the Protector would
esteem the friendship of the Prince a great honour to him; and to show his desire of it, that Whitelocke
intended to salute the Prince from the Protector. The Chancellor and his son said that it would be very
necessary for Whitelocke to do so, and that the Prince intended to come nearer to this city, and then
Whitelocke might have the better passage to his Court by water by the lake Meter, than to go to him by a
land-journey; and that from the Prince he might, by the same lake, be transported to Stockholm.
After many ceremonies and compliments, with apologies for the delay of the sealing of the articles, they fell
to their business. Grave Eric read the articles prepared by Whitelocke, and his father overlooked 166 them;
Whitelocke’s son James read the articles prepared by the Chancellor, and Whitelocke overlooked
them; and some mistakes being amended, Whitelocke asked whether the Queen’s commission to give
them power were sealed. They answered, it was prepared, and that the Queen would seal it, and it was usual to
be done at any time after the sealing of the articles; that yesterday it was not fully ready for the Queen before
her going out of town, but that she intended to be here again this day, and all would be ready for her sealing.
The Chancellor directed Canterstein to read the copy of the instrument for giving power to the Queen’s
Commissioners, and desired Whitelocke to give to him the commission of the Protector to Whitelocke, who
said that he had formerly delivered to them a copy of it, which was then read; and the Chancellor took
exception to it, because there was no mention in it of ratifying what should be here agreed upon by
Whitelocke; who answered that this clause of ratification was in his first commission under the Great Seal of
England, unto which the commission and powers given him since by the Protector do refer; and he offered to
deliver into their hands that commission under the Great Seal. And if they should require that Whitelocke
might yet have a larger power, whereof he thought there was no need, (they might perceive by the
Protector’s letters that he would not scruple to give it,) Whitelocke said that he would take it upon him,
at his return to England, to procure it to be done; but he said he could not leave with them the
Protector’s letters and instructions to him, because part of them was secret.
167 The Chancellor said it was the custom to deliver the original letters of power into the hands of the other
party, that they might be registered in the public acts of the Chancery, and that Whitelocke should receive
their commissions to carry with him into England; that if he would pass his word that, at his return to
England, he would procure new and larger powers, and take care to send the letters of them hither from the
Protector, they should be satisfied therewith: which Whitelocke promised to do, and desired that the Queen
would ratify all that should be done here before her resignation, and keep the ratification by her until the
Protector should seal letters of ratification on his part, and then they might be exchanged and mutually
delivered. The Chancellor consented hereunto, and asked what seal the Protector used in these public
businesses. Whitelocke said he used his own seal. The Chancellor asked if he did not use the seal of the
Commonwealth, in regard that this league was between the Queen and kingdom of Sweden and the Protector
and Commonwealth of England. Whitelocke said that the Protector might, if he pleased, command the seal of
the Commonwealth to be affixed to the letters of ratification, which he believed would be done if they desired
it; and that, by the same reason, it was fit that the letters of ratification here should be under the Great Seal of
Sweden.
The Chancellor said that in Sweden, when the Government was in the hands of Commissioners, the King or
Queen not being crowned, it was usual for some chief men, of alliance to the deceased King, to make use of
his private seal, and of no other; that if 168 this treaty were with the Poles or Danes, or others, that being
wanting in their letters which was in Whitelocke’s, he would not proceed any further with them until
they should procure a fuller power and commission; and he said he had been present at many treaties which
had been broken off upon a less defect than appeared in Whitelocke’s letters. But in regard their
business was with the Protector, whom the Queen and himself did so much honour and had so great a
confidence in him, and upon Whitelocke’s promise to procure such a power as they desired to be
enlarged to him from the Protector, the Chancellor said they were ready to confirm the articles with their
165 April 28, 1654. 76

seals. Whitelocke took upon him what they desired, and then the Chancellor and his son Eric sealed that part
of the articles which Whitelocke had prepared, and Whitelocke sealed the other part of the articles which had
been prepared by the Chancellor and his son Grave Eric.168
169 The Queen’s Commissioners insisted to have the date of these articles 11th of April, because then
they were fully agreed, and the time after was for engrossing 170 and preparing them to be signed and sealed;
and Whitelocke did not oppose their desire herein.
Thus, after a long and intricate (it might be said 171 vexatious) transaction of this great affair for near five
months together, all bitter oppositions, cunning practices, and perplexed difficulties being removed and 172
overcome, through the goodness and assistance of the only wise Counsellor, the Prince of Peace, it pleased
Him to give a good issue and happy success in the 173 conducting of this treaty by him who accounts his
great labour and hazards in this transaction well bestowed, and humbly prays that this treaty may prove 174 to
the honour of God, the interest of the Protestant cause, and the good of both nations therein concerned.
April 29, 1654.

Whitelocke’s passport through Flanders. Though Whitelocke received no letters this week from
England, yet he had some from Hamburg and 175 from Flanders, among which was one from Don
Piementelle full of civility and compliment, giving Whitelocke notice of his safe arrival in Flanders, and
advising him to take that way in his return; and in it was a letter in Spanish from Piementelle to the Prince of
Mamines in Flanders, to be made use of by Whitelocke if he should have occasion there, for the more 176
safety and accommodation of his journey. This letter Whitelocke caused to be translated:—
“Most excellent Sir,
“My Lord Whitelocke, the Lord Ambassador Extraordinary of England, having finished his embassy in
this Court, is resolved to return through this province, having passed from Hamburg to Cologne, and that he
may go to Brussels with better security, he desires a passport from your Highness to the Lord Archduke. I,
having written that it may be despatched, and added that it may be remitted to your Excellence, do entreat you
to order that the said despatch may be delivered to the party whom the said Lord Ambassador shall send from
Cologne for it; and that, he passing through this town, his Lordship, by his civil entertainment, may
understand the favour your Excellence doth afford me, I owing to this honourable person many and singular
respects, which I desire to manifest and acknowledge. I am confident your Excellence will assist me herein,
and will be disposed to employ me in many services of yours in Madrid, whither I am commanded to go, by
order from my Lord the King, and shall begin my journey within three or four days, by way of Brussels,
where I hope to find your Excellence’s commands, which I assure you I shall esteem in all places and
obey with the highest punctuality. God preserve your Excellence the many years of my desires.
“Your Excellence’s greatest servant,
“Anto Pimentel.”
In the letter which Whitelocke wrote to Thurloe, after an account of the passages since his last, he wrote
thus:—
Report of the signing of the treaty to Thurloe. “Having received no letters by the post yesterday from
England, I was contented to seal the articles of our treaty; for if but a few days should be intermitted, they
could not have been signed at all, because upon Tuesday next 177 the Ricksdag, or Parliament here, is
appointed to meet, and within two or three days after their meeting the Queen intends to resign her
April 29, 1654. 77

Government, and it will be some time after before the Prince be crowned. I shall have much to do to despatch
the necessary ceremonies here of my public audience, to take my leave of the Queen, with the many visits I
am to perform, according to the custom to which I am to conform, in regard of the honour of his Highness and
our nation; for he who neglects these ceremonies here is censured for a mechanic or a boor. I intend from
hence to go to the Prince of Sweden, to salute him from my Lord Protector, as I am advised that the Prince
expects and desires it. From thence I purpose to go to Stockholm, where I am to take ship for Lübeck; and
from thence to Hamburg, where I shall attend his Highness’s further commands, or some ships to be
sent for my transport into England, which I earnestly entreat you to procure in time.
“I hope, before my going from hence, to receive his Highness’s order, which I long since wrote
for, concerning my return; but however, my business being effected here, I presume I may, without
displeasure to his Highness, be upon my return homewards; the rather, because upon the change which is
shortly to be here my commission will be at an end.
“The Queen intends, shortly after her resignation, to go to the Spa, which I have cause to believe. In
those parts they say the King of the Romans will wait upon her, but that I doubt.
“Her Majesty hath showed extraordinary affection and respect to my Lord Protector; so hath the
Chancellor and his son Grave Eric, and my Lord Lagerfeldt, etc.”
Whitelocke’s interview with the Queen after the signing of the treaty. Whitelocke waited on the
Queen, and gave her an account of the signing and sealing of his articles; whereupon she said:—
Queen. I am glad that this business is done to your satisfaction.
178 Whitelocke. There remains only your Majesty’s sealing your letters of full power to your
Commissioners who treated with me.
Qu. I sealed them this morning.
Wh. Then my humble suit is, that your Majesty would appoint a day for my audience to take my leave.
Qu. This is Saturday, but if you desire it you may have it on Friday next.
Wh. Would your Majesty’s leisure permit to give me audience on Tuesday or Wednesday next, they
being no holidays?
Qu. The Assembly is to sit on Tuesday, and at their first meeting I shall have a great deal of business with
them, which will hinder me from any other affairs.
Wh. I humbly pray your Majesty to appoint it as soon as your own leisure will permit, for I shall have many
businesses and ceremonies after it to perform, before my going away.
Qu. On Monday next I will appoint a day; and touching the secret article, about which I formerly discoursed
with you, I have now altered my opinion, and am resolved to follow the advice that you and Mr. Woolfeldt
have given me. I will write a letter under my own hand to the Protector to the effect you advised, and deliver it
to you to be presented to him.
Wh. This will be much the better way.
Qu. I desire you to be careful of the letter; and before I seal it I will show it to you for your advice in it.
April 29, 1654. 78

Wh. Madam, I shall have a special care of it, and to procure an answer of it from the Protector, I hope, to your
Majesty’s contentment, that you may make use of it if there shall be occasion; and I believe the
Protector will be a firm friend to your Majesty.
179 Qu. I doubt it not, nor your respects to me.
Wh. I am engaged by your many favours to serve your Majesty with all faithfulness.
Qu. I had some clothes in a ship coming hither, and the ship is taken, and my clothes detained in England, so
that I cannot get them to wear.
Wh. If your Majesty want clothes, I have a piece of English stuff at my house, which cost two shillings a yard;
and, if that were not too dear for your Majesty’s wearing, I would send it to you.
Qu. Two shillings a yard is dear enough for me: I pray send your stuff hither, and I shall willingly accept of it,
and thank you for it.
Wh. Will your Majesty be pleased on Monday next to go into England?
Qu. Hardly so soon; yet perhaps I may one day see England. But what is your meaning in this?
Wh. Madam, Monday next is the first day of May, a great day in England; we call it May-day, when the
gentlemen use to wait upon their mistresses abroad to bid the Spring welcome, and to have some collation or
entertainment for them. Now your Majesty being my mistress, if you will do me the honour, that, after the
custom of England, I may wait on you on May-day, and have a little treatment for you after the manner of
England; this I call going into England, and shall take it as a very great favour from your Majesty.
Qu. If this be your meaning of going into England, I shall be very willing, as your mistress, to go with you on
Monday next, and to see the English mode.
Lagerfeldt and the master of the ceremonies dining with Whitelocke, he inquired of them what was to be 180
done by him as to presents to any of the Queen’s servants or officers who had done him respect in his
business, or being here, and what other things were requisite to be done by him, according to the usage of
ambassadors in this Court before their going away, and when he might obtain his audience to take his leave.
The master of the ceremonies gave him good and chargeable instructions; and Lagerfeldt agreed in most
points with him, and, upon Whitelocke’s entreaty, undertook to see that the letters of full power to the
Queen’s Commissioners, and the recredentials to Whitelocke, should be perfected and brought to him,
and a day of audience appointed.
Lagerfeldt told Whitelocke that the Queen was willing to present him with some of this country’s
commodities, as copper, to carry with him into England, if it would be as acceptable to him as other presents
of diamonds and the like; and he said he hoped there was no order of the Commonwealth of England to forbid
the receiving of such presents by their public ministers. He said, that formerly he asked of Monsieur Chanut,
the French Ambassador here, if he would accept a present of copper, and he willingly accepted it, and carried
it with him, saying, that he rather desired copper than diamonds or jewels, because he could better sell the
copper than jewels, and make money of it.
Whitelocke said, that whatsoever her Majesty pleased to bestow on him should be welcome to him, and that
he liked the commodities of this country as well as those of the Indies, and that for Chanut’s reason.
He said that the Protector had not forbid him to receive any testimonies of the Queen’s respect to him,
as she 181 used to do to all public ministers; that the order of the Commonwealth forbidding gifts or presents
April 29, 1654. 79

to public ministers was not now in force; that he thought her Majesty’s bounty to him, and his
justification of the acceptance of it, might be the more from such valuable presents as her Majesty had done
him the honour to receive from him, and his intention to bestow all his horses upon her, and such as she would
appoint, which, for the honour of the Commonwealth, he would not sell.
April 30, 1654.

Whitelocke accepts a present of copper. Berkman and Monsieur Bloome dined with Whitelocke, and took
occasion to magnify the respects of the Chancellor and his son, Grave Eric, to the Protector and to
Whitelocke, who was not backward to join in those eulogies, and to acknowledge the respects. Berkman said
that Canterstein was to bring some writings to Whitelocke, and that Lagerfeldt had spoken to the Queen to
present Whitelocke with some copper; that she had given order for two hundred ship-pound of copper to be
brought from the mines to Stockholm, to be put aboard Whitelocke’s ship, ready to be carried away
with him; that every ship-pound was here worth forty dollars, and was as much as three hundred English
pounds, which he cast up in the whole to the value of about £2500 sterling. And Whitelocke was satisfied in
his own conscience that he might honourably receive it, having given to the Queen as many presents already
as were worth £1000, and engaged to her his horses, which were worth about £2000 more, besides the gifts
and gratuities which he had liberally 182 given, and intended to give, to the Queen’s servants and
officers; and that, in recompense of above £3000 given away, he might well receive a present of the value of
£2500.
Grave Leonhough visited Whitelocke, and had much discourse with him, not so proper for this day.
85 [An ingenious device of Whitelocke’s to lead the Spaniard to hasten the business of the treaty with
Sweden, which he was suspected of having retarded.]
86 The French, and English copies of the passport were these:—
“Comme ainsi soit que Don Antonio Piementel de Prado, Envoyé Extraordinaire de sa Majesté le Roi
d’Espagne à sa Majesté la Reine de Suède, soit maintenant sur son retour de ce lieu à Neufport en
Flandres, dont son Excellence est Gouverneur; et qu’il ait jugé à propos d’envoyer partie de son
train et bagage par mer de Hambourg à Dunquerque, ou public autre port des Provinces Unies à présent sous
l’obéissance de sa dite Majesté le Roi d’Espagne; et pour leur procurer d’autant plus sur
convoi, m’ait désiré, comme Ambassadeur Extraordinaire de son Altesse Monseigneur le Protecteur de
la République d’Angleterre, d’Ecosse, et d’Irlande, vers sa Majesté la Reine de Suède,
de lui donner passeport: ces présents sont pour requérir tous ceux qui ont commandement par mer ou par terre,
et tous officiers et autres de la dite République auxquels il peut appartenir, de permettre le porteur des
présents, Joos Froidure, serviteur du dit Don Antonio Piementel, avec son navire et biens sous sa charge (à
savoir, vingt caisses contenantes toutes sortes de meubles, comme vaisselle d’argent, tapisseries,
linges, habits, lits de camp, et autres coffres et choses pareilles, et tout conduit par le susdit Joos Froidure, et
les caisses marquées D. A. P.), de passer paisiblement et sans empêchement quelconque jusqu’au dit
Dunquerque, ou autre port des Provinces Unies de présent sous l’obéissance de sa dite Majesté le Roi
d’Espagne. Donné sous ma main et sceau, à Upsale en Suède, ce 4ème d’Avril, 1654. B.
Whitelocke.”
“Whereas Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, Envoy Extraordinary from his Majesty the King of Spain
unto her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, is now upon his return from this place unto Newport, in Flanders,
whereof his Excellence is Governor, and hath thought fit to send part of his train and goods from Hamburg by
sea unto Dunkirk, or some other port now in obedience to his said Majesty the King of Spain, in the Low
Countries; and, for the better conveyance of them, hath desired a pass from me, being Ambassador
April 30, 1654. 80

Extraordinary from his Highness my Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland,
unto her said Majesty the Queen of Sweden; these are therefore to desire all commanders by sea or land, and
all officers or others, of the said Commonwealth, whom it may concern, to permit the bearer hereof, Joos
Froidure, servant unto the said Don Antonio Pimentel, with the ship and goods under his charge, viz. twenty
chests or packages, containing all sorts of household stuff, as vessels of silver, tapestries, linen, apparel,
field-beds, and other coffers and such like things, marked with D. A. P., to pass unto the said port of Dunkirk,
or any other port now in obedience unto his said Majesty the King of Spain in the Low Countries, quietly and
without any molestation. Given under my hand and seal, at Upsal, in Sweden, this 4th day of April, 1654. B.
Whitelocke.“
88 [It is curious to remark at the present time (1855) how the same questions have arisen out of the state of
war. The list of contraband articles established by Whitelocke’s treaty is still in force as between
England and Sweden, and Liége is still the great resource of the Continent for arms.]
90 [Cromwell was already preparing the two armaments at Portsmouth, one of which afterwards became the
Mediterranean fleet, under Blake, of thirty-five ships, and the other, of thirty-two ships, sailed in the following
year under Penn and Venables for the West Indies.]
91 [This gentleman is doubtless the same M. Woolfeldt whom Whitelocke frequently refers to; for in a
manuscript addressed to his children, Woolfeldt is mentioned by name as a person entertaining similar
sentiments towards his native country. He was a Danish nobleman nearly connected by marriage with the
King of Denmark, but who had incurred the displeasure of the Court, and been driven into exile on account of
this marriage.]
130 “Whereas Peter Gerbrant, citizen of Stockholm, and commander of a ship belonging to her
Majesty the Queen of Sweden, called the ‘Sudermanland,’ loaden with corn and other Swedish
merchandises, is now bound for Lisbon, in Portugal, and, for his better passage, hath desired of me, being
Ambassador Extraordinary from his Highness the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland,
and Ireland, unto her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, to give him my pass and letters recommendatory: These
are therefore to desire all commanders and officers by sea or land, and all others of the said Commonwealth
whom it may concern, to permit the said Peter Gerbrant, together with his said ship and lading, to pass unto
the said port of Lisbon quietly and without any molestation; and so to return from thence unto Stockholm,
with such lading as the said master shall there think fit to take into his ship. Given under my hand and seal at
Upsal, in Sweden, this 14th day of April, 1654. B. W.”
131 “Whereas the bearer hereof, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Halsall, had a pass from Colonel Robert
Lilburne, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Scotland under his Highness the Lord Protector of the
Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to transport himself, his servant, and necessaries into
Sweden upon his occasions, and, having despatched his business, he hath made his request to me, being
Ambassador from his said Highness the Lord Protector to her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, to grant him my
pass for his return into Scotland: These are therefore to desire all commanders by sea or land, and all officers
and others of the said Commonwealth whom it may concern, to suffer him, the said Lieutenant-Colonel
Halsall, quietly to pass into Scotland, he acting nothing prejudicial to the Commonwealth aforesaid; and
further I desire that the Commander-in-Chief in Scotland will be pleased to show unto him, the said
Lieutenant-Colonel, such favour at all times as he shall there deserve. Given under my hand and seal, at
Upsal, in Sweden, this 14th of April, 1654. B. Whitelocke.“
142 [These words show that the contest between the French and Spanish alliance in London was still going
on; but they did not convey the truth to Whitelocke, for it was against Spain that the great armament
previously mentioned was destined to be used, in the expedition to St. Domingo and the conquest of Jamaica.]
April 30, 1654. 81

168 The treaty thus signed ran in the following terms:—
Text of the treaty. “We whose names are subscribed, Axel Oxenstiern, Chancellor of the Kingdom and
Provincial Judge of the West Norlanders, of Lapland, Heredalia, and Jemptia, Earl of South Morea, free Baron
in Kimitho, Lord in Tiholme and Tydoen, Knight of the Golden Spur; and Eric Oxenstiern, son of Axel,
General President of the College of Trade, Earl of South Morea, free Baron in Kimitho, Lord in Tydoen,
Viby, and Gorwallen, Senators of the Kingdom of Sweden, and Plenipotentiary Commissioners of the most
Serene and most Potent Prince and Lady the Lady Christina, by the grace of God Queen of the Swedes, Goths,
and Vandals, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Esthonia, Carelia, Bremen, Veherden, Stettin, Pomerland,
Cassubia and Vandalia, Prince of Rugia, and Lady of Ingria and of Wismar; do make known and testify that
formerly there hath been a great amity between the Swedish and English nations, for which, to renew and
increase the profit of it, it very well happened that the most illustrious and most excellent Lord Bulstrode
Whitelocke, Constable of Windsor Castle, and at this time one of the Keepers of the Great Seal of England,
being sufficiently authorized to treat of the following affairs, came to the S.R.M. our Lady, by commandment
and in the name of Oliver, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland,
Ambassador Extraordinary from these countries and of the aforesaid Commonwealth. The same also our most
S.R.M. hath benignly commanded us, who have the same and sufficient power, that after we should have
considered with the aforesaid Lord Ambassador about the things which would be judged the most convenient
to establish the liberty of commerce and navigation, and to corroborate the mutual amity in this time, that
some certain things should be determined and written in form of articles of mutual alliance.
“Therefore we, after a good deliberation together, agreed touching the affairs hereafter written, as they
are by these following laws which are in this treaty, and by their clear words and without difficulty expressed.
That is:—
“1. That hereafter there be a good, sincere, firm peace and correspondence between the Queen and
Kingdom of Sweden and the Lord Protector and the aforesaid Commonwealth, and between all and every one
of the dominions, kingdoms, countries, provinces, islands, lands, colonies, towns, peoples, citizens,
inhabitants, and all and every one of the subjects of either of the party, so that they may mutually embrace in
entire love and affection.
“2. The aforesaid confederates and subjects, people and inhabitants of either, shall, when occasion
shall be presented, advance the common profit, and shall, if they know of any imminent danger or
conspiration or machination of the enemies, admonish one another, and shall hinder them as much as lies in
their power. Neither shall it be permitted to any of the confederates to do or treat by him, or by any other
whatsoever, to the prejudice or damage of the lands and dominions of either, whatsoever they be, or in
whatsoever place, either by sea or land. The enemies or rebels or adversaries shall in nowise be suffered,
neither shall the rebels or traitors who undertake under the State of the other be received in his countries, and
shall much less give them counsel, aid, or favour, nor shall admit that his subjects, people, or inhabitants
should do anything like.
“3. The Queen and Kingdom aforesaid and the Lord Protector and Commonwealth aforesaid shall, as
much as in them lies, endeavour to take care, with all candour and affection, to remove all the hindrances
which hitherto have interrupted the liberty of navigation and commerce between both the nations, as much in
the dominions, lands, seas, and rivers of either of the confederates with other people and nations. They shall
also endeavour to advance and defend the liberty of navigation and commerce against all sorts of disturbers
for the reasons agreed upon in this treaty, or upon which hereafter they may agree, nor shall suffer, either
through themselves, their subjects, or people, any offence to be committed or done against this institution.
“4. For it is consented and agreed that the inhabitants and subjects of the aforesaid confederates be free
to travel by sea or land into the kingdoms, countries, provinces, lands, islands, towns, cities, villages, walled
April 30, 1654. 82

or unwalled, fortified or no, ports, dominions whatsoever freely, or without safe-conduct, general or special,
to go and thence to return, and thence to stay or pass over, and all the while to buy victuals and things
necessary for their use, and are to be treated with all benevolence. And also it shall be lawful for the subjects,
citizens, and inhabitants of either of the confederates to exercise merchandise and commerce in all places
wherein any commerce hath hitherto been exercised, and the same merchandise may be carried in or forth
according to their pleasure, paying nevertheless the usual tax, and observing the laws and ordinances of the
aforesaid Kingdom and Commonwealth; supposing on both sides that the people, subjects, and inhabitants of
either of the confederates shall have and possess in the countries, lands, dominions, and kingdom of the other
as full and ample privileges, and as much freedom, liberty, and immunity, as any stranger possesseth, or shall
possess, in the said dominions and kingdoms.
“5. The merchants, masters of ships, pilots, seamen, and others, their ships, merchandise, and all goods
in general of the said confederates and their subjects and inhabitants, shall not be apprehended or detained in
the lands, ports, shores, harbours, or dominions whatsoever in alliance with the other, for any public use,
expedition of war, or other cause, much less for any private man’s use by virtue of any edict, general
or special; neither shall they be molested or constrained by violence or injury or anything of that kind:
provided that arrests be not prohibited if they are made according to the ordinary form of law, justice, and
equity; they shall not neglect the punishment of any for private affection.
“6. And if one or more ships of the subjects, citizens, or inhabitants, be they of war or of burden and
private men’s, shall be forced by tempests, or pursued by pirates and enemies, or any urgent necessity
to the harbour or shores of the other confederate, and be forced to call for protection, they shall be received
there with all benignity, humanity, and friendship, and at no time to be hindered, and all victual, reparation,
and things fit for use at the ordinary price; they shall not be prohibited to depart or go out of the port or
harbour by any pretence whatsoever, as long as they have not committed anything against the statutes,
ordinances, and custom of the place where their ships are brought and where they shall sojourn.
“7. Likewise, if one ship or more of war or of private men of the other confederate, and of the subjects
and inhabitants, shall be shipwrecked or cast on the coast of the dominions of the other confederate, or for the
future may suffer detriment, they may be relieved and helped at a price agreed on, so that whatsoever shall be
saved from the shipwreck shall be preserved and restored to the true owner or his factor.
“8. And if the subjects and inhabitants of the other confederate, whether they be merchants, their
factors, servants, masters of ships, pirates, seamen, or others, have occasion to travel into the dominions of the
other confederate, or if anything shall come in their name before a court of justice, or suits for their debts, or
for any other lawful reason wherein they may need the help of the magistrate; in these things he shall be
benign and ready for equity’s sake, and shall administer justice without delay or unnecessary
circumstances, and they shall not be hindered in their journey by any pretence, but whithersoever they go are
to be used friendly, and shall have the liberty either in going or returning to carry and wear arms for their
private defence, and to walk into the harbours, seaports, and in any public place of the other confederate
armed; provided they give no occasion of just suspicion to the governors or magistrates of any place of any
design against the public or private peace, but chiefly they are to behave themselves modestly, and to live
without any injury.
“9. It is lawful for the foresaid confederates and both their people to buy and export out of any of their
countries, dominions, and kingdoms, all sorts of arms and provision of war, and freely and safely to carry their
ships into what ports, stations, and harbours of the other confederate they please, and there to sojourn and
from thence to go; and they are to carry themselves modestly, peaceably, and conform to all the laws and
customs of the place, and they may trade there without any hindrance; likewise the ships of war have free
leave to come to the ports, havens, and stations of the other confederates. But nevertheless, if there be a
manifest suspicion in their number, they may forbid their access, without they have obtained leave of the
April 30, 1654. 83

confederate in whose ports they are (unless they are drawn in by tempests, or force, or danger, or chief
magistrate), and are not to stay longer than the governor or chief magistrate will give them leave.
“10. It shall be lawful for the subjects and inhabitants of the kingdom of Sweden to travel into all the
countries of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and likewise to pass beyond land or sea, and other people that
commerce with them, to exercise trade in all kind of merchandise, and to bring them thither and carry thence
at their pleasure. The people of the aforesaid Commonwealth shall enjoy the same liberty in the kingdoms,
dominions, and territories of the Queen and kingdom of Sweden, but upon condition that they shall observe
the respective laws, ordinances, and particular rights of both nations, and of those things which concern the
traffic.
“11. Although it be prohibited by the former articles of this league and friendship, that neither of the
confederates shall give aid or assistance to the enemies of the other, nevertheless it is no way to be understood
that it is denied to the confederate and his subjects and people who is not in war to have commerce and
navigation with the enemies of that confederate who is in war: provided only in the meantime, until it may be
more fully agreed upon, all laws hereunto pertaining, that none of those commodities called contraband (of
which a special designation or catalogue shall be agreed upon within four months from this time) shall be
carried to the enemies of either, upon peril that if they be found out by the other confederate, they shall be
taken as prize without hope of restitution.
“12. But lest this free navigation or passage by land or sea with other nations, of the one confederate,
his subjects, or people, during the war of the other confederate, should be a deceit to the other confederate,
and may conceal commodities and hostile goods by deceit, pretending the name of a friend, for that reason, to
remove suspicion and fraud, it is thought fit that the ships, waggons, merchandises, and men belonging to one
of the confederates, in their journeys and navigations shall be armed with letters of safe-conduct, commonly
called passports and certificates, which shall be signed by the chief governor or magistrate of the province or
city from whence they come, and in all them those forms to be observed which shall be agreed upon within
the space of four months next ensuing; but where the merchandises, goods, shipping, and men of one of the
confederates, or of his subjects or people, in the open sea, straits, ports, stations, lands, and places whatsoever,
shall be met with by the ships of war, public or private, or by the men, subjects, and people of the other
confederate, or by any means shall be in one place together, then exhibiting only their letters of safe-conduct
and certificates, nothing shall be further required of them, nor inquired of them, nor inquiry made as to their
goods, shipping, or men any further, much less shall any injury, damage, or trouble be offered to them, but, as
is before signified, they shall be freely dismissed to proceed in their intended journey. And in case anything be
done by either party contrary to the genuine sense of this article, either of the confederates shall cause severe
punishment to be inflicted upon those who shall do contrary hereunto, their subjects and people, and shall take
care that satisfaction be made without delay to the other grieved confederate, or his subjects and people, fully
of all their losses and expenses.
“13. Also, if it shall fall out hereafter during this friendship and league, that any of the people and
subjects of either of the confederates shall take part with, or design anything against this league, the
agreement between the aforesaid confederates shall not thereby be interrupted or dissolved, but nevertheless
shall continue and wholly remain; but those particular persons only who have broken this league shall be
punished, and right and justice shall be administered to those who have received injury, and satisfaction shall
be made of all damages and wrong within a twelvemonth’s time after restitution demanded. And if the
foresaid delinquents and persons guilty of the violence committed shall not yield themselves and submit to
justice, or within the prefixed time shall refuse to make satisfaction, they, whosoever they are, shall at length
be proclaimed enemies to both States, and their estates, goods, and whatsoever things they have shall be
confiscated and sold for a just and full satisfaction of the wrongs by them done, and those offenders and guilty
persons, where they shall come into the power of either State, shall suffer also deserved punishment according
to the nature of their offence. But restitution and satisfaction for the losses and damages which either of the
April 30, 1654. 84

confederates hath suffered by the other during the war between England and the United Provinces of the
Netherlands shall be made and afforded without delay to the party wronged, or to his subjects.
“14. The present treaty and confederation shall not at all derogate from the pre-eminence, right, and
dominion whatsoever of either of the confederates in their seas, straits, and waters whatsoever; but they shall
have and retain the same to themselves in the same fulness as they have hitherto enjoyed the same, and of
right belongs unto them.
“15. Whereas therefore it is the principal purpose of this league that the same freedom of navigation
and merchandising as is expressed in the former articles should be and remain to either confederate, his
subjects and people, in the Baltic Sea, the Strait of the Sound, the Northern, Western, British, and
Mediterranean Seas, and in the Channel and other seas of Europe, it shall therefore earnestly be endeavoured
by common counsel, help, and assistance, that the foresaid mutual freedom of navigation and commerce shall
be established and promoted in all the before-mentioned seas, and, if occasion require, shall be defended
against disturbers who would interrupt it, prohibit, hinder, constrain, and force it to their own will and the
injury of the confederates; and both the confederates shall willingly and mutually afford their goodwill and
readiness to promote the benefit and to take away the prejudice of either of the confederates, always saving to
either nation the leagues with other kingdoms, commonwealths, and nations which have been heretofore made
and are in force; but neither of the confederates for the future shall make any league or alliance with any
foreign people or nations whatsoever to any prejudice of this present mutual league, without the knowledge
beforehand and consent of the other confederate; and if anything shall hereafter be agreed otherwise, it shall
be void, and shall wholly give way to this mutual agreement; but of the manner of mutual aid or assistance to
be given for defence of this league, and freedom of commerce and navigation, where it shall be necessary and
reason shall require it, it shall be specially agreed upon according to the circumstances of time and all other
things.
“16. Concerning other advantages to be enjoyed, and rules according to which the ships of war shall
demean themselves which shall come into the ports or stations of the other confederate, of the trade to be had
in America, also of the commodities of fishing for herrings and other fish whatsoever, of the staples and marts
to be appointed for trade, and of other matters and conditions which may be required for the greater evidence
of the former articles, as by a particular treaty and mutual contract shall be hereafter agreed.
“17. But those matters which we have agreed in the former articles shall forthwith from this moment of
time obtain full force and be sincerely and rightly observed by either party, and by all who are under their
obedience, faith, and command. And to the end that for the time to come they may be the more established,
and remain firm as well by her Royal Majesty as also by the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England,
Scotland, and Ireland, and the territories thereunto belonging, in the name of his Highness and the said
Commonwealth, these presents, with the proper subscriptions of the hands of her Majesty and of his Highness,
shall be subscribed, signed, and ratified.
“In confirmation of all these things which are above written, and for sufficient testimony thereof that
on the part of her Royal Majesty our most clement Lady they shall be most religiously and fully observed, and
be ratified within the time prefixed, we have subscribed these presents with our proper hands, and armed them
with our seals. Dated at Upsal, the 11th day of April, in the year 1654.
“Axel Oxenstiern,
“Eric Oxenstiern Axelius.”
April 30, 1654. 85

183 MAY.
May 1, 1654.
Preparations for departure. Lagerfeldt, Berkman, and the Syndic of Gothenburg, after dinner with Whitelocke,
discoursed and advised him touching his departure. Lagerfeldt said he believed the Queen would give
Whitelocke audience on Friday next, before which time her presents would not be ready for Whitelocke and
his company; he said also, that he heard the Prince intended to be in this town within a few days, and if it
should be so, then it would be better for Whitelocke to stay here, and expect his coming hither to salute him
here, than to go out of his way so far as to the Prince’s Court; in which matter Whitelocke said he
would entreat the Queen’s advice. Lagerfeldt said further, that the Queen had commanded some
copper to be brought to Stockholm, and to be put aboard the ship where Whitelocke was to be embarked, or in
some other ship as he should appoint, it being a present intended for him by the Queen.
The Syndic acquainted Whitelocke that the city of Gothenburg would send into England, to prepare there for
an accord concerning traffic between the English merchants and that town, wherein they hoped to have the
assistance of Whitelocke at his return to England, wherein he promised his advice and furtherance.
184 A Danish gentleman of quality and experience gave a visit to Whitelocke, advised him the way of his
journey, and gave him good information touching Denmark, to be communicated to the Protector, as that the
English merchants might pass the Sound without paying any tax, if the Protector would insist upon it.
Whitelocke, in drollery, asked him why he would discover these things to a stranger, which turn so much to
the prejudice of his own country. He answered that he did this to testify his respects to the Protector, and that
he did not betray his country, but his country had betrayed him; and that was his country where he breathed
and had present nourishment.184
Mr. Woolfeldt visited Whitelocke, and, among other discourses, related to him the story of this gentleman and
his lady, which was to this effect, by his and others’ relation:—
Woolfeldt’s history. This gentleman was of a noble family and extraction in Denmark, grew into great
favour with the last King, whose daughter by a second wife he married; and the present King, her brother,
made him Viceroy of Norway, Governor of the Isle of Zealand and of the Sound, and a Senator of the
kingdom and Great Master of Denmark; and he had been employed thirteen times as an ambassador.
“His lady, the daughter and sister of a king, was of excellent comeliness of person and behaviour,
humbly knowing her distance, of a sweet disposition, and of rare parts, both of mind and body; especially
deserving praise for her high and entire affection to her husband, who, notwithstanding his great parts and
abilities, and the many perils he had undergone in the service of his king and country, yet after 185 all, by the
whisperings and false suggestions of backbiters, his enemies, was traduced to the King for being too much a
friend to the people’s liberty, and an opposer of the King’s absolute power; but beyond all this
(as some gave it out), that he was too familiar with one of the King’s mistresses; so it was that the
King took high displeasure against him. Parasites took the occasion to please the King by invectives against
one under a cloud; his parts attracted envy, and his merits were too great for any other recompense but his
own ruin.
“To avoid the King’s wrath and his enemies’ malice, and to preserve his life, which was
aimed to be taken away with his fortune, he was compelled to fly from his country and seek his security in
foreign parts. His lady, though a tender, modest woman,—though the sister of the King regnant, high in
his favour and the interest of her alliance; though pressingly enticed to cast off her affection to her husband;
though unacquainted with any hardships,—yet so entire was her conjugal love and piety, that, rather
183 MAY. 86
than part with her husband, she would leave all her relations and pleasures of a court and her dear country, and
put herself, though with child, into the disguise of a page, to attend him in his flight as his servant.
“It may be imagined that such a servant was not unkindly used; but the greatest trouble was, that being
on shipboard to cross the Baltic Sea, the poor page whispered the master that she had a longing desire to some
cherries which she saw in the town as they came to the ship. Here was the difficulty: if her lord did not go on
shore and procure some cherries for the page, it might cost her life; if he did go on shore, and in the meantime
the ship should go off, he and his page would be parted, and his own life endangered. It was reason and
honour that persuaded him rather to hazard his own than such a page’s life; therefore, having
effectually dealt with the master of the ship for a little stay, he soon found out a pretence to go on shore, and
neglected not to hasten back again with his provision 186 of cherries, and to find out a way of distributing a
large share of them to her that longed for them. After which they happily set sail and arrived in Sweden,
where, by articles between the two Crowns, those in his condition have sanctuary and protection.”
In the afternoon Whitelocke went to Court, where he met with Canterstein, who excused himself that he had
not yet brought to Whitelocke the Queen’s letters of full power to her Commissioners, which he said
the Queen had signed two days before, and that he had been sick, otherwise he had delivered them before this
time. Whitelocke asked him if his recredentials were prepared. He said they were ready for the Queen to sign
when she pleased, and that nothing in his charge concerning Whitelocke should receive any delay by his
occasion. Whitelocke gave him thanks for his care, and promised his remuneration.
Whitelocke entertains the Queen on May-day. This being May-day, Whitelocke, according to the invitation he
had made to the Queen, put her in mind of it, that, as she was his mistress, and this May-day, he was, by the
custom of England, to wait upon her to take the air, and to treat her with some little collation, as her servant.
The Queen said the weather was very cold, yet she was very willing to bear him company after the English
mode. With the Queen were Woolfeldt, Tott, and five of her ladies. Whitelocke brought them to his collation,
which he had commanded his servants to prepare in the best manner they could, and altogether after the
English fashion.
At the table with the Queen sat “la Belle Comtesse,” the Countess Gabrielle Oxenstiern,
Woolfeldt, Tott, and Whitelocke; the other ladies sat in another room. Their meat was such fowl as could be
gotten, 187 dressed after the English fashion and with English sauces, creams, puddings, custards, tarts,
tansies, English apples, bon chrétien pears, cheese, butter, neats’ tongues, potted venison, and
sweetmeats brought out of England, as his sack and claret also was. His beer was also brewed and his bread
made by his own servants in his house, after the English manner; and the Queen and her company seemed
highly pleased with this treatment. Some of her company said she did eat and drink more at it than she used to
do in three or four days at her own table.
The entertainment was as full and noble as the place would afford and as Whitelocke could make it, and so
well ordered and contrived that the Queen said she had never seen any like it. She was pleased so far to play
the good housewife as to inquire how the butter could be so fresh and sweet, and yet brought out of England.
Whitelocke, from his cooks, satisfied her Majesty’s inquiry, that they put the salt butter into milk,
where it lay all night, and the next day it would eat fresh and sweet as this did, and any butter new made, and
commended her Majesty’s good housewifery; who, to express her contentment in this collation, was
full of pleasantness and gaiety of spirit, both in supper-time and afterwards. Among other frolics, she
commanded Whitelocke to teach her ladies the English salutation, which, after some pretty defences, their lips
obeyed, and Whitelocke most readily. She highly commended Whitelocke’s music of the trumpets,
which sounded all supper-time; and her discourse was all of mirth and drollery, wherein Whitelocke
endeavoured to answer her, and the rest of the company did their parts.
May 1, 1654. 87
It was late before she returned to the castle, whither 188 Whitelocke waited on her; and she discoursed a little
with him about his business and the time of his audience, and gave him many thanks for his noble treatment of
her and her company.
May 2, 1654.
The Swedish full powers. Whitelocke sent to the master of the ceremonies to know if he had desired a time for
his last audience, who promised to do it.
Canterstein brought to Whitelocke the Queen’s letters of full power to her Commissioners, under her
hand and the great seal of Sweden, which were of this tenour.188 Having received this commission,
Whitelocke delivered to Canterstein his commission under the Great Seal of England, and the copy of his new
instructions from the Protector, except what was secret in them.
Canterstein, the master of the ceremonies, and Monsieur Bloome, were frolic at dinner with Whitelocke, and
made many caresses to him, and extolled the Chancellor’s care and high respect to Whitelocke, 189 in
bringing his treaty to so good an issue; and after dinner Bloome told Whitelocke that the Chancellor had
advised the Queen to make a noble present to Whitelocke, which was not yet ready, and that had retarded his
last audience. The master of the ceremonies, from the Queen, desired Whitelocke to have a little patience for a
few days; that she expected the arrival of the Prince within six or seven days in this town, by which means
Whitelocke would have a fair opportunity to salute him here, without further trouble; and that the Queen
would give him audience within two days before the arrival of the Prince, and so he should receive no
disturbance in his voyage. Whitelocke saw no other remedy for this but patience.
May 3, 1654.
The Guinea question. Whitelocke visited Grave Eric. They fell into discourse, among other things, touching
Guinea, to this effect:—
Whitelocke. It is requisite that we come to some conclusion about the business of Guinea.
Grave Eric. I think it fit; and for your further information, 190 here is the answer in writing of the Swedes
who are concerned therein unto the complaints of the English company in that business.
Wh. Will you leave the writing with me?
Gr. Eric. I shall send you a copy of it.
Wh. The complaints of the English have been proved by depositions of witnesses.
Gr. Eric. Those depositions were taken in the absence of the other party; and, if you please, witnesses may be
produced here on the part of the Swedes.
Wh. Witnesses produced here will be also in the absence of the other party, though I had leisure and
commission to examine them on oath.
Gr. Eric. You may see in this map of Guinea how the plantations of the Swedes, English, and Hollanders do
lie, and are mingled and near to one another.
May 2, 1654. 88
Wh. The King of that place made a grant to the English, for them only to dwell and traffic in that country; and
the Swedes afterwards drove the English, by force, out of their fortifications.
Gr. Eric. The English had no fortifications there; all the fort they had was a little lodge with two rooms only
in it, out of which the Swedes did not force them; and both the Hollanders and Swedes were planted in this
place before any grant made to the English, and the Swedes had a grant from the same King, whereof this is a
copy.
Wh. It will be material to compare the dates of these two grants: if that to the English was first, then the other
to the Swedes was of no validity; and the like of the contrary. If you will favour me with a copy of the grant
made to the Swedes, I will compare it with that made to the English, and return it to you.
191 Gr. Eric. You shall command it.
Mr. Woolfeldt, being visited by Whitelocke, told him that the Queen was extremely pleased with his treatment
of her. Whitelocke excused the meanness of it for her Majesty. Woolfeldt replied, that both the Queen and all
the company esteemed it as the handsomest and noblest that they ever saw; and the Queen, after that, would
drink no other wine but Whitelocke’s, and kindly accepted the neats’ tongues, potted venison,
and other cates which, upon her commendation of them, Whitelocke sent unto her Majesty. Woolfeldt showed
a paper of consequence written by himself in Spanish, and he read it in French to Whitelocke, being perfect in
those and other languages. He said, that whatsoever he wrote he did it in a foreign language, to continue the
exercise of them. The paper showed how the English might be freed from paying tolls at the Sound.
Whitelocke entreated a copy of this paper in French, which Woolfeldt promised.
A great quantity of snow fell and covered the houses and fields, and was hard frozen: a matter at this time
strange to the English, but ordinary here.
May 4, 1654.
Mr. Boteler, a Scotsman, confidently reported great news to the disparagement of the affairs of England, that
the Highlanders of Scotland had given a great defeat to the English and killed five hundred of them, which
news was soon confuted by Whitelocke.
A literary dinner party. The Senator Vanderlin, and his brother the master of the ceremonies; Dr. Loccenius, a
civilian, Keeper of the Library in this University; another gentleman, 192 Professor of Eloquence here; Mr.
Ravius, Professor of the Eastern tongues; and a French gentleman, captain of one of the companies of Guards,
doing Whitelocke the honour to dine with him, had very learned discourse, particularly of languages and of
the affinity between the Swedish, English, Danish, and High Dutch tongues, whereof they gave many
instances, and Whitelocke was able to add to them. The professors discoursed only in Latin, as most proper
for them; the others in French; and they hold it a discourtesy if a man be not answered in the same language
which he speaks. They also extolled the Prince and the Protector; and the Senator said that there was not any
person who came so near to the eminency and grandeur of the Protector as the Prince of Sweden did.
The Dutch Resident salutes Whitelocke on the peace. The company being gone, Whitelocke went to the
accustomed place, the great wood, to take the air; and as he was walking in the broad way there, he perceived
the coach of the Dutch Resident coming towards him; and perceiving the English Ambassador to be walking
there, the Resident alighted out of his coach and came on foot towards Whitelocke. Whether he came after
Whitelocke in a handsome design or contrivance for their first salutation, or that it was by accident,
Whitelocke did not examine, but thought fit to answer the civility of the Resident by walking back towards
him to meet him.
May 3, 1654. 89
They saluted each other and their company with great respect. The Resident began the compliment to
Whitelocke in French, telling him that he was very glad of the opportunity to have the happiness to salute
Whitelocke, which he would not neglect to do, perceiving him in this place; and that he would take the 193
first occasion to do himself the honour to visit Whitelocke at his house. Whitelocke answered, that the
Resident should be very welcome when he pleased to do that honour to Whitelocke as to bestow a visit on
him; and that he was also very glad of the opportunity which had now presented itself, whereby he had the
contentment of being acquainted with the Resident. They fell into general discourses, and, among the rest, of
the conclusion and ratification of the treaty between the two Commonwealths, and of the advantage which
thereby would arise to both of them, and to the Protestant party.193
As they were walking together the Queen passed by them, being in that wood also to take the air. When she
came near, she saluted them with great respect, and spake to them aloud, “Je suis ravie de vous voir
194 ensemble, je vois que la paix est faite.” And so the Queen went on her way, and Whitelocke took
leave of the Resident.
A despatch from Thurloe. At his return to his house Whitelocke found his packet from England ready to
entertain him, and Thurloe’s letter was this:—
“My Lord,
“Your letter of the 10th of March arrived here this morning, whereby you are pleased to give a very
particular and exact account of all proceedings in this treaty you are upon; I presently communicated the
contents thereof to his Highness and the Council, with whom he was willing to advise, and thereupon he was
pleased to send you the instructions which your Excellence will receive herewith, which are fully agreeable to
your own desire in that behalf. The former instructions had come sooner, if the issue of the Dutch treaty had
been sooner known; now, through the blessing of God, it is fully concluded, and your Excellence will receive
herewith the articles, as they are signed by the Commissioners of his Highness and the Lords Ambassadors of
the United Provinces. They signed them upon Wednesday, at night, and the next morning the ambassadors
sent them away to be ratified by their superiors, which they will do without difficulty or scruple, as we
believe.
“Your Excellence will see by those articles made with the Dutch, that the second and fifth article is
omitted out of your instructions; that these two treaties will very well stand together; and for the notice to be
given to the Dutch, it is clear to me that it will not be necessary, in respect that this treaty was not only begun,
but as good as finished, before the conclusion with the Dutch.
“And for the fourth article, and the proviso your Excellence is pleased to send, that being so clearly
within the substance of your former instructions, I thought it needless to add any instruction about it now.
“His Highness in the beginning of this week was pleased 195 to send for the Great Seal, and kept it in
his own custody two days, and now hath disposed it unto your Excellence, Sir Thomas Widdrington, and your
confrater my Lord Lisle. His Highness is very much resolved upon a good and solid reformation of the law,
and proceedings in the Courts of Equity and Laws: the matter of law he hath committed unto Mr. Justice Hale
and Mr. John Vaughan; the reformation of the Chancery to my Lord Widdrington, Mr. Attorney-General, and
Mr. Chute,—being resolved to give the learned of the robe the honour of reforming their own
profession, and hopes that God will give them hearts to do it; and, that no time may be lost, the next term is
adjourned.
“The French Ambassador desires very much to get a despatch of his business. His Highness hath at
length appointed him commissioners to treat, but no progress hath been yet made thereupon. The speech that
he made at his first audience your Excellence will receive by this.
May 4, 1654. 90
“The Portugal presseth much now to come to an agreement also, and to close the treaty which hath
hanged so long; and so doth the Spaniard.
“I pray for your Excellence’s safe return home and rest.
“Jo. Thurloe.
“April 7th, 1654.”
Whitelocke’s new instructions from the Protector:
“O. P.
“Additional Instructions to my Lord Whitelocke, our Ambassador Extraordinary to her Majesty the
Queen of Sweden.
“Having considered the particular account you have given by your letters weekly of your negotiation in
Sweden, and the delay which hath been on the part of that Court in the treaty you are upon, we might well
have given you positive orders for your speedy return.
“But observing that the letters and despatches between this and Sweden are a month in their way, and
not knowing 196 how affairs may alter in that time with you, and the pretence of their delay—to wit,
the uncertainty of the issue of the treaty between us and the United Provinces—being removed, as you
will see by these letters, which will assure you of the full conclusion thereof, we have thought it more
convenient to leave you a latitude in that particular, and to give you liberty (as we do hereby) to return home
at such time as you shall find it for the service of the Commonwealth.
“2. Whereas, by your letter of the 10th of March, 1654, you have represented the particular debates
which you have had upon all the articles of the treaty, and the exceptions taken by the Queen upon the second,
fifth, and seventh articles, you are hereby authorized to omit the second and fifth articles out of the treaty, as
also the words ‘bona à suis cujusque inimicis direpta’ out of the seventh article, if the Queen
shall still insist thereupon; and as for the comprehending the Dutch in this treaty with the Queen of Sweden,
notice shall be given from hence, if it shall be found necessary.
“3. You have hereby power to agree with the Queen of Sweden that she and her subjects may fish
freely for herrings in the seas of this Commonwealth, paying the recognition of the tenth herring, or for a
lesser recognition, so as it be not less than the twentieth herring, or the value thereof in money.
“Whitehall, 7th April, 1654.”
The Order of the Council touching the Great Seal sent by Thurloe was this. The title of the order was
thus:—
Whitelocke, Widdrington, and Lisle reappointed of the Great Seal. “Order of the Council approving of
the Commissioners of the Great Seal.
“Tuesday, 4th April, 1654.
“At the Council at Whitehall:
May 4, 1654. 91
“Resolved, That the Council doth approve of the Lord 197 Ambassador Whitelocke to be one of the
Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.
“Resolved, That the Council doth approve of Sir Thomas Widdrington, Knight, Serjeant-at-Law, to be
one of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.
“Resolved, That the Council doth approve of John Lisle, Esquire, to be one of the Lords
Commissioners of the Great Seal.
“By the command of his Highness Mr. Serjeant Widdrington and Mr. Lisle were called in, and being
come to the table, his Highness declared that the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke and themselves had been
nominated by his Highness, and approved by the Council, to be Commissioners for the Great Seal; and his
Highness did deliver unto the said Mr. Serjeant Widdrington and Mr. Lisle the said Great Seal; and then the
oath appointed by the ordinance was read by the Clerk of the Council, and was taken by each of them.
“Exr W. Jessop,
The Guinea Company sent by this packet a letter to Whitelocke of thanks for his care of their business, and
that they could not buy the Swedes’ interest in Guinea, and referred the whole matter wholly to
Whitelocke.
The examinations in the Court of Admiralty touching the ship ‘Charity,’ enclosed in
Thurloe’s letters, made it appear that the Swedes had not injury done them, as they complained, and
that the goods belonged to Hollanders, and not to the Swedes; but only coloured by the Hollanders under the
name of Swedish ship and goods, though they were not so. Whitelocke made use of these examinations as he
saw cause, and found that Martin Thysen had an interest in these goods.
Reception of the French Ambassador in London. The enclosed speech of the French Ambassador to 198 the
Protector was full of compliment, giving him the title of “Serene Altesse,” and as much as
could be well offered by the French, seeming to desire a league and amity with the Protector. The Ambassador
was received with great state and solemnity, answerable to the honour of his master the King of France, with
whom the Protector had a good mind to close at this time, the rather to frustrate the hopes of the King of Scots
of assistance from thence, where he was now entertained, caressed, and made believe he should have all aid
and furtherance for his restitution, which the Protector sought to prevent by the interest of the Cardinal
Mazarin, whose creature this Ambassador was.
May 5, 1654.
The Queen’s presents to Whitelocke and his suite. Lagerfeldt acquainted Whitelocke that the Queen
intended to gratify him with a gift of as great value as had been bestowed upon any ambassador before; and
that she having received from Whitelocke many brave horses and many native goods of England, and
Whitelocke having undertaken, at his return to England, to provide for her Majesty several other commodities,
she held it reasonable to requite him with some commodities of this country, if Whitelocke thought fit to
accept of them. Whitelocke answered that it did not become him to prescribe bounds to her Majesty’s
favour, but only to refer himself to the Queen’s judgement herein. Lagerfeldt replied that the Queen
intended to bestow her gift upon him in copper, and gave order that it should be put aboard a ship, to be
consigned by him to some of his friends at London, or as he pleased to dispose it.
May 5, 1654. 92
199 Whitelocke desired of Lagerfeldt that although the articles were signed, that yet he in the instrument
might prefix to the title these words “Serenissimi ac Celsissimi Domini,” which words
Whitelocke did observe to be in the Protector’s title to the Dutch articles, which was not known to
Whitelocke before the articles were signed here. Lagerfeldt promised to acquaint the Chancellor herewith, and
to bring his answer.
Whitelocke waited upon the Queen, and acquainted her with his news from England, and of the
consummation of the treaty of peace between England and the Dutch, whereof she said she was very glad, and
thanked Whitelocke for his news. He then entreated her Majesty to appoint a day for his audience to take his
leave of her Majesty, which she told him should be shortly done; then she desired his company with her in her
coach, to take the air. He waited on her, and besides there was in the coach Grave Tott, Grave Vandone, and
the Countess Christina Oxenstiern. The Queen was not very pleasant, but entertained some little discourses,
not much of business; and after a short tour, returning to the castle, retired into her chamber, and Whitelocke
to his lodging.
May 6, 1654.
Lagerfeldt returned answer to Whitelocke, of his motion to insert the words “Serenissimi ac Celsissimi
Domini” into the Protector’s title, that he had acquainted the Chancellor with it, who also had
communicated it to her Majesty, and she willingly assented thereunto; and it was inserted accordingly. 200 He
brought with him Monsieur Carloe, Governor of the Swedish Company for Guinea, with whom Whitelocke
had much discourse upon the same points as he had before with Grave Eric; and Carloe denied all that the
English merchants had affirmed, and he continued before and after dinner very obstinate in it.
Secretary Canterstein brought to Whitelocke the Queen’s letters of the grant of two hundred
ship-pound of copper for a present to him, which letters were thus.200
In the afternoon the master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke’s house, and presented to him, from
the Queen, a handsome jewel, which was a case of gold, fairly enamelled, and having in the midst of it the
picture of the Queen, done to the life, and very like her. It was set round about with twelve large diamonds,
and several small diamonds between the great ones. He told Whitelocke that, by command of her Majesty, he
presented her picture to him; that she was sorry it was not made up so as might have 201 been worthy of his
reception; but she desired, if he pleased, that he would do her the honour to wear it for her sake, and to accept
the picture in memory of the friend that sent it. Whitelocke answered that the Queen was pleased to bestow a
great honour upon him in this noble testimony of her favour to him, of which he acknowledged himself
altogether unworthy; but her Majesty’s opinion was otherwise, as appeared by such a present as this.
He did with all thankfulness accept it, and should with great contentment give himself occasion, by the honour
of wearing it, to remember the more often her Majesty and her favours to him, her servant, for which he
desired the master to present his humble thanks unto her Majesty.
After he had been with Whitelocke, the master went to Whitelocke’s two sons, and in the
Queen’s name presented to each of them a chain of gold of five links, and at the end of the chain a
medal of gold of the Queen’s picture; the chains and medals were valued at four hundred ducats
apiece. Then he presented, in the Queen’s name, to Colonel Potley, to Dr. Whistler, to Captain Beake,
and Mr. Earle, to each of them a chain of gold of four links, and at the end of each chain a medal of gold of
the Queen’s picture; these chains and medals were valued at two hundred ducats apiece, or
thereabouts.
Then he presented, in the Queen’s name, to Mr. Stapleton, Mr. Ingelo, and Mr. De la Marche, to each
of them a chain of gold of three links, with a medal of gold of the Queen’s picture at the end of each
May 6, 1654. 93
chain; the chains and medals were valued at about a hundred and sixty ducats apiece. To Mr. Walker he
presented a chain and medal of gold of three links, 202 shorter than the rest, of about the value of a hundred
and thirty ducats; to Captain Crispe and to Mr. Swift, to each of them a chain of gold of two links, with a
medal of gold to each of them, of about the value of a hundred ducats apiece.
Disputes caused by the Queen’s presents. Walker the steward, and Stapleton, gentleman of the horse to
Whitelocke, were discontented, because their chains were not of four links apiece; and they and others took
exceptions because their chains were not so good and valuable as those given to Potley and Beake,—so
seditious a thing is gold. But Whitelocke endeavoured to satisfy them by the reasons why the chains of Potley
and Beake were better than theirs: the one having been an ancient servant of this Crown, and the other being
commander of the guards of the Protector; and nothing was due to them, but only the Queen’s free gift
and bounty was in all of them, and therefore not to be excepted against by any of them. Notwithstanding this
admonition, they met and discoursed together in discontent about this business, and gave thereby occasion of
displeasure to Whitelocke.
Whitelocke being in the mood to take the air, the Holland Resident came thither, where they walked and
discoursed together; and in their return the Resident and two of his gentlemen, Vorstius and another, went in
Whitelocke’s coach, who brought the Resident to his lodging, and there had a civil treatment, and
found by discourse that the Resident was not well satisfied with his being in this Court. Whitelocke did not
hitherto make a visit to any person since he had received his presents from the Queen, after which, in
ceremony, he must first visit her Majesty to give her thanks, and then he is at liberty to visit others.
203 May 7, 1654.

The Lord’s Day.—Monsieur Bloome, and Mr. De Geeres, the rich merchant of Sweden, after
dinner with Whitelocke, discoursed much about matters not so proper for the day. Walker and Stapleton
attending Whitelocke and walking in the evening, he again spake to them about their presents as formerly; but
found Stapleton stiff in his opinion, and to intend to send back his present to the master of the ceremonies as
refusing it; but Whitelocke required him not to do so, lest it should be taken as an affront to Whitelocke and to
the Protector himself, as well as a disdaining of the Queen’s present, which was her Majesty’s
free gift without any obligation.
May 8, 1654.
Warrant for the copper. The warrant formerly inserted was sent to the officers of the Treasury, who thereupon
made their order to the under-officers for the delivery of the copper accordingly, which order was brought to
Whitelocke in the Swedish language.
The Guinea case. The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke to inform him that the Queen had
appointed Wednesday next, the 10th of this month, for his last audience to take his leave. Whitelocke said he
was sorry it could not be sooner. The master excused it by reason of the great affairs of the Queen upon the
meeting of the Ricksdag. Grave Eric and Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke and debated with him the business of
Guinea.
Grave Eric. I shall read to you this paper, which is in Latin and in French,—an answer to the
complaints of the English, and denies all their allegations.
204 Whitelocke. The allegations of the English are proved by oath; here are the depositions.
Gr. Eric. The answers of the Swedes are upon oath likewise.
203 May 7, 1654. 94

Wh. But the English are in the affirmative.
Gr. Eric. The Swedes have like complaints against the English, which are to be proved by oath in the
affirmative also; and in such case the parties or their procurators must appear before the ordinary and
competent judges, which will require a great deal of time; but we being to treat with you as an Ambassador,
we propose that there may be an abolition of all past injuries of the one side and the other, and that there may
be an agreement and friendship, and free trade there for the future.
Wh. This will be very proper for the time to come, but it will be no satisfaction for the injuries already done. I
have no power from the Protector or Company of English Merchants to make any such agreement; but for
what concerns the public, I can make an accord with you, and the satisfaction of damages for wrongs past may
be remitted to the determination of the Commissioners.
Gr. Eric. I shall show you a project in writing, that all the houses and possessions of the one part and the other
may continue in the same estate for the time to come as they are in at present.
Wh. To agree to this were to give up the right of the English merchants, and to acknowledge that they have no
cause of complaint; whereas I demand in justice a reparation and satisfaction for those injuries whereof they
complain.
Gr. Eric. Then the business must be decided before 205 the judges, witnesses on both sides must be heard,
and we must insist upon it that the houses and possessions continue in the same estate as they now are.
Wh. You must pardon me that I cannot assent hereunto.
Thus their debate broke off.
Monsieur Ravius came to Whitelocke in the name of the Bishop of Stregnes, to acquaint him that if he had
any English horses which he would bestow upon the Prince, that they would be very acceptable to him, and
that Whitelocke would very much gratify himself thereby. Whitelocke said that his saddle-horses were not
worth the presenting to his Royal Highness, the best of them being already given away; but he had a set of
coach-horses which he intended to reserve and to present unto the Prince, if he pleased to accept them. Ravius
said they would be very acceptable to him.
May 9, 1654.
Whitelocke compliments the Danish minister on the peace. The King of Denmark being included in the treaty
between England and the Dutch, and so become a friend, Whitelocke was advised to send first a compliment
to the Danish Ambassador now residing in this Court; which, when Whitelocke doubted lest thereby he might
diminish the honour of England by sending to the Dane before the Dane had first sent to him, the master of the
ceremonies and others instructed him that it was the constant custom for the ambassador that comes last to
send first a compliment to him that had been in the Court before; whereupon Whitelocke did send one of his
gentlemen to the Danish Ambassador, to visit and compliment him.
206 Now the secretary of the Ambassador of Denmark came to Whitelocke, in the name of his lord, to give
him thanks for the honour he had done him in sending one of his servants to salute him, and to congratulate
the good news of the agreement between England and the Dutch, wherein the King his master was comprised.
The secretary said that the confirmation thereof was also come to his lord by the way of Holland and of
Denmark, for which news his Lordship was very joyful, and would himself have given a visit to Whitelocke
but that his want of health detained him in his lodging. Whitelocke told the secretary that he was very sorry
May 8, 1654. 95
for his lord’s indisposition of health, and wished his good recovery; that he was heartily glad of the
news which gave him occasion to send to his lord to congratulate with him, and that he would take an
opportunity to visit him in person when it might be without prejudice to his Excellence’s health.
Berkman came to Whitelocke to give him an account of a message wherein he had employed Berkman to the
Marshal Wrangel, to desire him, in Whitelocke’s name, that the ship appointed to transport him might
fall down from Stockholm to the Dollars, for Whitelocke to come on board her there, which would save him a
hundred miles by sea from Stockholm thither, there being a nearer way by a third-part from Stockholm to the
Dollars for boats to pass. Berkman said he found Wrangel very civil, and ready to do what Whitelocke should
desire of him for his accommodation, and that he had ordered the ship forthwith to fall down to the Dollars;
for which Whitelocke desired Monsieur Berkman to return his thanks to the Marshal.
207 The Ricks-Admiral sent to Whitelocke, expressing much civility and readiness to serve him, and desired
to know if one ship would be sufficient for his transportation; that, if he pleased, there should be more
provided for him. Whitelocke returned thanks, and that he hoped he should not have occasion to put them to
the trouble of more ships for his transportation than that already ordered for him.
Whitelocke invited to the ceremony of abdication. The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke, by the
Queen’s command, to know if he and his company pleased to see the meeting of the Ricksdag; that he
had provided a place for that purpose, where they might be unknown and unseen, and yet see all the ceremony
and hear all the harangues; that if Whitelocke would see it, the master would call him at eight o’clock
in the morning and wait upon him to the place; but he said that the Danish Ambassador had some thoughts of
being there also, and if he came first to the place he would take the uppermost seat. Whitelocke then desired
the master to call him early enough that he might be there first, because he should hardly permit the Danish
Ambassador to sit above him. The master said he would be sure to call Whitelocke early enough, but he
believed that the Danish Ambassador would not be there because of his ill health.
The master told Whitelocke that Monsieur Bloome had informed him that some of Whitelocke’s
gentlemen took exceptions to the presents sent them by the Queen. He protested, upon his soul and his
honour, that he had no hand in the disposing of these presents, but that all was done by the officers of the
Chamber of Accounts, and that the Queen did not meddle with it; but when he showed her a catalogue of the
officers 208 of Whitelocke’s house, she marked them how she would have the presents bestowed; that
how the matter might be altered afterwards he was wholly ignorant, and that he had order, under the hands of
the officers, to make the distribution as he had done; and he hoped none of the gentlemen would be offended
with him, who had done nothing but as he was ordered by those over him. Whitelocke told him that, in so
great a family as his was, it would be difficult to please every one; that these presents were the
Queen’s favours, which she might distribute as she pleased, and every one ought to be contented
therewith; that some of his company had discoursed hereof more than belonged to them, but that he would
take order in it himself. They had also this further discourse:—
Whitelocke. Do you expect the arrival of the Prince here on Friday next?
Mast. Cer. The Queen is not assured of his arrival that day, but she will go out on horseback, accompanied
with all her nobility, to meet him.
Wh. Will it be expected that I go out likewise to meet him?
Mast. Cer. That cannot be, because it will be after your last audience, and when you have taken your leave of
the Queen, so that you cannot then appear in public nor in any public action, because it will be to present
yourself before those of whom you had taken your leave before.
May 9, 1654. 96
Wh. But after my last audience I may in private see the Queen?
Mast. Cer. Yes, for that is but a particular visit; and so you may visit any of your friends after your last
audience.
209 Wh. I intend likewise to salute the Prince after my last audience.
Mast. Cer. You may do it, because it will be but a particular visit.
Wh. I hope his Royal Highness will treat me with the same civility and respect as he useth to any other
ambassador.
Mast. Cer. That he will infallibly do. Monsieur Chanut, the French Ambassador, when he was in this Court,
did always give the right hand to the Prince after the proposal had been made of declaring him Prince-heritier
of the crown, though the Ricksdag had not then confirmed it. But Chanut made difficulty of it at the
Prince’s lodging, because he was not the son of a king, yet afterwards he did it both there and
elsewhere.
Wh. There is more reason for me now to do it, because the proposal is to be made of investing him with the
Crown. What was the manner of the Prince’s reception of Chanut, where did he meet Chanut at his
coming, and how far did he go with him at his taking leave?
Mast. Cer. The Prince received Chanut at the door of the chamber where he had his audience; and when the
Ambassador went away, the Prince brought him to the same place and no further; and I believe he will give
the same respect to your Excellence, and as much to you as to any public minister.
Wh. I can desire no more.
May 10, 1654.

Whitelocke attends a wedding at Court. Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke and acquainted him 210 that there was
a special article to be agreed upon touching the business of Guinea, which the Queen and the Chancellor were
willing might proceed for the despatch of Whitelocke, and that Grave Eric would have come to him about it,
but that he was ill and had taken physic. He told Whitelocke that the Queen said he might have his last
audience that day if he pleased; but if he would be present at the solemnity of the nuptials which were this
evening to be celebrated at Court between the Baron Horne and the Lady Sparre, and if he desired to see the
assembling of the Ricksdag tomorrow, then it would be requisite to defer his audience till Friday, because
when he had taken his leave of the Queen it would not be proper for him afterwards to appear in public.
Whitelocke said he had rather be dismissed than to be present at any solemnities; that her Majesty had taken
him captive by her noble presents, so that it was not fit for him to come abroad in public. He asked Lagerfeldt
if the Prince would be here on Friday next; if so, then it would not be convenient to have his audience put off
to that day. Lagerfeldt said he doubted that the Prince would not be here so soon.
An officer on horseback, accompanied with several other horsemen, with four kettle-drums and eight or ten
trumpets beating and sounding before them, made proclamation in several parts of the town that all persons
who were summoned to appear at the Ricksdag should give their attendance at the place appointed in the
Queen’s castle of Upsal tomorrow by eight o’clock in the morning, upon pain of half-a-dollar
mulcted for every default.
May 10, 1654. 97

The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke 211 from the Queen, and acquainted him to the same effect
as Lagerfeldt had done, touching his last audience. The master also, by the Queen’s command, invited
Whitelocke to the wedding at Court this night; and if he pleased to see the manner of the assembling of the
Ricksdag, that he had order to take the care of it, and that it would be no hindrance to his going away, because
the Prince did not come hither till Tuesday next. Whitelocke said he was sorry that the Prince would come no
sooner to this place, but since it was the pleasure of the Queen that he should wait upon her this evening, he
would obey her commands; and as to the time of his audience, he submitted to her pleasure.
The Ricks-Admiral sent again to Whitelocke, to know if he would have any more ships provided for his
transportation. Whitelocke returned his thanks, and that he intended not to take any of his horses with him,
and therefore should not need any more ships than were already ordered.
Studely, one of Whitelocke’s servants, returned to him from Stockholm with an account that the ship
appointed for his transportation was not yet ready, which retarded his voyage to his trouble.
Between ten and eleven o’clock at night the master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke’s
house, with one of the Queen’s coaches, to bring him to the wedding at Court. He desired
Whitelocke’s two sons to go into that coach, who excused themselves that they had not been in that
coach formerly. The master said that when one went to an audience there were certain formalities to be
observed, but going to a wedding was another thing; that now the Queen 212 had sent her coach for
Whitelocke as her guest, and it was proper for his sons to go with him. Whitelocke wished them to observe the
direction of the master, who governed in these things.
They went to the bridegroom’s house, where were many of his friends; his uncle the Ricks-Admiral,
Marshal Wrangel, and other senators and noblemen. As soon as Whitelocke alighted out of the coach, the
bridegroom’s brother was there to receive him and bid him welcome; near the door the bridegroom
met him, and gave him thanks for the favour in honouring his wedding with his presence. Whitelocke said he
was very ready to testify his respects to the nobility of this country, and particularly to himself, and took it for
an honour to be invited into such company.
Whitelocke was instructed by the master of the ceremonies, that by the custom of this country the bridegroom
takes place of the King, and the bride of the Queen, during the solemnities of the wedding; accordingly
Whitelocke gave the right hand to the bridegroom.
After a little discourse they took their coaches;—first the gentlemen, then the Lords, then the Senators,
then the Ricks-Admiral and Senator Bundt, who, being next of kin, was to give the bride in marriage; after
Bundt went Whitelocke, and after him the bridegroom, who had precedence in the Queen’s coach,
which went last, and Whitelocke next before it, and the other coaches in their order; the bridegroom’s
coach last of all, as the best place. The like order they observed in their going in the castle. At the head of the
stairs the master of the ceremonies met them, and brought them to the presence-chamber, 213 where the
Queen was with the bride and a great company of gallant ladies. The bridegroom kissed her Majesty’s
hand, and then the bride’s hand; the rest of the company did the like. Between the Queen and
Whitelocke passed a little discourse.
Whitelocke. Madam, I give you humble thanks for your invitation of me to these solemnities.
Queen. It is an honour to us that such an Ambassador will be present at our ceremonies.
Wh. I likewise return my most humble thanks to your Majesty for your many favours, and the noble presents
you have been pleased to bestow on me and on my company.
May 10, 1654. 98

Qu. Sir, you mock me; I am troubled I could not do according to that respect which I bear you. This is only a
custom of our country to persons of your condition, and I hope you will take it in good part.
Wh. It is more suitable to your Majesty’s bounty than to anything I can call desert in me, who have a
most grateful sense and acceptance of your Majesty’s favours.
Ceremony of the marriage. The bride and bridegroom were both clothed in white tabby, his suit laced with a
very broad gold and silver lace. The bride had on her head a coronet set full of diamonds, with a diamond
collar about her neck and shoulders, a diamond girdle of the same fashion, and a rich diamond jewel at her
breast, which were all of them of great value, and by some reported to be the Queen’s jewels, lent by
her to the bride for that time.
They went all to the great hall; first the noblemen, then the senators, then the bridegroom between Bundt and
Whitelocke, then the bride between two Graves, 214 then the Queen and her Guards. Then the Queen
presently took her chair of state; at her right-hand at a little distance sat the bride against her; at the
Queen’s left-hand sat the bridegroom, next to him Whitelocke, and then Bundt. After they were all sat,
Bundt rose up and went towards the Queen, and spake in Swedish with a loud voice to this effect, as it was
interpreted to Whitelocke:—That Baron Horne, a gentleman there present, of an ancient and noble
family, desired to have in marriage a lady who was servant to her Majesty, of the ancient and noble family of
the Sparres; then he spake much of the pedigrees and in the praise of both the families; after that he addressed
himself to the bride and bridegroom, giving them good counsel as to the condition which they were entering
into, and their demeanour to one another. Then some friends led the bridegroom to a place in the midst of the
hall purposely railed in, and then they fetched the bride thither also and placed her by the bridegroom; then a
grave churchman, one of the Queen’s chaplains, turning himself to the Queen, pronounced the words
of marriage after a form in a book which he read, and being interpreted to Whitelocke, he found it the same in
effect with the words of marriage in the English Liturgy. The ceremony of joining them in marriage being
ended, two Graves with torches came to the bridegroom and bride and led them around; two other Lords with
torches followed after them, many ladies two by two. The bride being brought to her seat by the bridegroom,
he then took the Queen by the hand and they walked between the torches; then the bride came and took
Whitelocke by the hand and 215 they walked after the Queen. Whitelocke brought the bride again to her
place, and being instructed that he was to take the Queen and march the round with her also, Whitelocke did
it, and all this was a solemn walking to the sound of drums and trumpets. After which, every one returned to
their places, and then they set to dancing of the brawls; and the Queen came to Whitelocke to take him out to
dance with her, who excused himself.
Whitelocke dances with the Queen. Whitelocke. Madam, I am fearful that I shall dishonour your Majesty, as
well as shame myself, by dancing with you.
Queen. I will try whether you can dance.
Wh. I assure your Majesty I cannot in any measure be worthy to have you by the hand.
Qu. I esteem you worthy, and therefore make choice of you to dance with me.
Wh. I shall not so much undervalue your Majesty’s judgement as not to obey you herein, and I wish I
could remember as much of this as when I was a young man.
After they had done dancing, and Whitelocke had waited upon the Queen to her chair of state, she said to
him—
Qu. Par Dieu! these Hollanders are lying fellows.
May 10, 1654. 99

Wh. I wonder how the Hollanders should come into your mind upon such an occasion as this is, who are not
usually thought upon in such solemnities, nor much acquainted with them.
Qu. I will tell you all. The Hollanders reported to me a great while since that all the noblesse of England were
of the King’s party, and none but mechanics of the Parliament party, and not a gentleman 216 among
them; now I thought to try you, and to shame you if you could not dance; but I see that you are a gentleman
and have been bred a gentleman, and that makes me say the Hollanders are lying fellows, to report that there
was not a gentleman of the Parliament’s party, when I see by you chiefly, and by many of your
company, that you are gentlemen.
Wh. Truly, Madam, in this they told a great untruth to your Majesty, as I believe they have done in several
other particulars. I do confess that the greatest part of our nobility and gentry were of the King’s party,
but many of them likewise were of the Parliament’s party; and I, who am sent to wait upon your
Majesty, can, without vanity, derive to myself an ancient pedigree of a gentleman. They would not have given
the honour to any but a gentleman to kiss your Majesty’s hand, and you are pleased to do your servant
right, and his company, by acknowledging that our superiors have commanded gentlemen to wait on you.
Qu. I assure you that I esteem it the greater honour done to me, and you are the more welcome to me because
you are a gentleman; and had I not known and found you to be so, your business would not have been so well
despatched as it is. I see you have all the qualities of a gentleman, and I believe that you were excellent in
your music and dancing in your younger days.
Wh. I was bred up in the qualities of a gentleman, and in my youth was accounted not inferior to others in the
practice of them; but it is so long since I used this of dancing, especially after we learned to march, that had it
not been to obey your Majesty, I should hardly have been drawn to discover my deficiencies.
217 Qu. You have discovered nothing but what tends to your honour and to my contentment; and I take it as a
favour that you were willing to lay aside your gravity and play the courtier upon my request, which I see you
can do so well when you please.
After the dancing ended, there was brought into the hall a sumptuous banquet, the Hof-Marshal with his silver
staff ushering it, and after that distributed. The Queen and all the company went back in the same order to the
presence-chamber, and there the Queen bid the bride and bridegroom good-night, and so all went to their
lodgings, divers of the nobles waiting on the bride to her chamber.
The Queen told Whitelocke that she believed the Prince would be here on Tuesday next, and that Whitelocke
should have his audience on Friday next. Whitelocke took his coach, after it had waited nine hours at the
castle.
May 11, 1654.

The abdication of Queen Christina. Early in the morning the master of the ceremonies came to accompany
Whitelocke to the castle, to see the manner of the assembly of the Ricksdag, and brought him and his
company to the castle to an upper room or gallery, where he sat privately, not taken notice of by any, yet had
the full view of the great hall where the Ricksdag met, and heard what was said. The Danish Ambassador did
forbear to come thither, as was supposed, because of Whitelocke being there. The French Resident sat by
Whitelocke, and conversed with him.
The great hall, two stories high, was prepared for the Assembly. An outer chamber was hung with cloth 218 of
Arras; in the antechamber to that were guards of the Queen’s partisans; in the court was a company of
May 11, 1654. 100

musketeers. The great hall was hung with those hangings which were before in Whitelocke’s lodgings,
with some others added, and was very handsome. On each side of the hall, from the walls towards the middle
of the room, forms were placed, covered with red cloth, for seats for the Members, and were all alike without
distinction, and reached upwards. Three parts of the length of the hall, in the midst between the seats, was a
space or lane broad enough for three to walk abreast together. At the upper end of the hall, on a foot-pace
three steps high, covered with foot-carpets, stood the chair of state, all of massy silver, a rich cushion in it, and
a canopy of crimson velvet richly embroidered over it. On the left side of the chair of state were placed five
ordinary chairs of crimson velvet, without arms, for the five Ricks-officers; and on the same side below them,
and on the other side from the foot-pace down to the forms, in a semicircular form, were stools of crimson
velvet for the Ricks-Senators.
About nine o’clock there entered at the lower end of the great hall a plain, lusty man in his
boor’s habit, with a staff in his hand, followed by about eighty boors, Members of this Council, who
had chosen the first man for their Marshal, or Speaker. These marched up in the open place between the forms
to the midst of them, and then the Marshal and his company sat down on the forms on the right of the State,
from the midst downwards to the lower end of the hall, and put on their hats. A little while after them entered
at the same door a man in a civil habit of a citizen, with a staff in his hand, followed by about a hundred and
219 twenty citizens, deputies of the cities and boroughs, who had chosen him to be their Marshal. They all
took their places upon the forms over-against the boors in the lower end of the hall, and were covered. Not
long after, at the same door, entered a proper gentleman richly habited, a staff in his hand, who was Marshal
of the Nobility, followed by near two hundred lords and gentlemen, Members of the Ricksdag, chief of their
respective families, many of them rich in clothes, of civil deportment. They took their seats uppermost on the
right of the State, and whilst they walked up to their forms the citizens and boors stood up uncovered; and
when the nobility sat and put on their hats, the citizens and boors did so likewise. A little after, at the same
door, entered the Archbishop of Upsal with a staff in his hand, who by his place is Marshal of the Clergy. He
was followed by five or six other bishops and all the superintendents, and about sixty Ministers, Deputies, or
Proctors of the Clergy. While they walked up to their places all the rest of the Members stood up uncovered;
and when they sat down on the uppermost forms on the left side of the State, and put on their hats and caps,
the rest of the Members did the like; these were grave men, in their long cassocks and canonical habit, and
most with long beards.
All the Members being thus sat, about a quarter of an hour after entered the Captain, followed by divers of the
Queen’s Guard, with partisans. After them came many gentlemen of the Queen’s servants,
uncovered, with swords by their sides and well clad, two and two together. After them came the
Ricks-Senators in their order, the puisne first. After them the 220 Ricks-officers, all bare. After them came the
Queen, and kept off her hat in the hall, some of the officers of the Court and pages after her. In this order they
went up in the open place in the midst of the forms, all the Members standing up uncovered. The
Queen’s company made a lane for her to pass through, and she went up to her chair and sat down in it;
and all the company, except the members of the Council, went out of the hall, and all the doors were shut; the
Members sat in their places uncovered.
After the Queen had sat a little, she rose, and beckoned to the Chancellor to come to her, who came with great
ceremony and respect; and after a little speaking together he returned to his place, and the Queen sat down
again a little time; then rising up with mettle, she came forward to the utmost part of the foot-pace, and with a
good grace and confidence spake to the Assembly, as it was interpreted to Whitelocke, to this effect:—
The Queen’s speech. “The occasion, my friends, wherefore you are called together to this Diet
will in some sort appear strange to you; for being so unusual, and as it were unheard of, it cannot be
understood without great astonishment. But, Gentlemen, when you shall a little reflect upon what hath passed
some years since, you will then perceive that it is no new thing, but long since premeditated, and by me
wished and intended.
May 11, 1654. 101

“It is sufficiently known to you what hath formerly passed as to the succession of my most dear cousin
to this kingdom; and I esteem myself very happy that all things at present are in such a posture that thereupon
I may bring my purpose to effect, which is, to offer and to give into the hands of my most dear cousin our
most dear country and the royal seat, with the crown, the sceptre, and the government. I need not repeat this
subject to you; it sufficeth 221 that all may be done for the good of the country and the prosperity and security
of my most dear cousin, to whom you have formerly given this right, and have found him capable to govern
you and this kingdom, which he deserves by his great spirits and rare qualities, joined with his heroic actions,
witnessed by divers encounters.
“And since there is nothing wanting but time to put in execution the succession of my most dear cousin
to the government of this kingdom, which depends only upon myself,—and of my purpose nothing
remains but to make you parties, which is the only occasion of my calling you together, and which I shall
more at large declare unto you by my proposal,—I doubt not but you will consent thereunto, whereby
you will testify at this time, as you have done at all times before, your faithfulness and obedience to me.
“Also I give you thanks that, with so much duty, you are come to this Diet, and that with so much
affection and loyalty you have demeaned yourselves towards me and our most dear country during my
government, so that I have received much content by your deportment; and if in these ten years of my
administration I have merited anything from you, it shall be this only which I desire of you, that you will
consent to my resolution, since you may assure yourselves that none can dissuade me from my purpose.
“You may be pleased also to take in good part what hath passed during the time of my government,
and to be assured that herein also, as well as in all other things, my intention hath been always to serve our
most dear country. There remains nothing but my wishes that all may work to the glory of God, to the
advancement of the Christian Church, and to the good and prosperity of our most dear country and of all her
inhabitants.”
The Archbishop’s speech. After the Queen had spoken she sat down again, and after a little pause the
Archbishop of Upsal went out of his place into the open passage, and making his 222 obeisance to the Queen,
he, as Marshal of the Clergy and in their name, made an oration to her Majesty, which was somewhat long;
but the effect thereof was interpreted to Whitelocke to be an acknowledgment of the happy reign of her
Majesty, whereby her subjects had enjoyed all good, peace, and justice and liberty, and whatsoever were the
products of a blessed government. He then recited the great affections of this people to the King her father,
and to her Majesty his only child; their duty and obedience to her in all her commands; that no prince could be
more happy than her Majesty was in the affections and duty of her subjects, nor could any people be more
contented in the rule of their sovereign than her people were; he therefore used all arguments and humble
entreaties to her Majesty to desist from her intention of resigning the government, and to continue to sway the
sceptre of this kingdom, wherein he did not doubt but that the blessing of God would be with her as it had
been, and that it would be to His honour and to the good of this kingdom if her Majesty would hearken to the
humble desires of the clergy in this particular. Then he acknowledged the virtues and admirable abilities of the
Prince, whose succession would come in due time; that, her Majesty reigning at present with so much
satisfaction both to this Church and State, he humbly desired, in the name of the clergy, that she would be
pleased, though to her own trouble, yet for her subjects’ good, to continue still to be Queen over them.
After he had ended his speech, making three congees, he went up to the Queen and kissed her hand, and with
three more congees returned to his place.
Then the Marshal of the Nobility, going forth into 223 the open place between the forms, made his oration in
the name of the nobility, much to the same purpose as the Archbishop had done, and, after his oration ended,
with the like ceremony kissed her Majesty’s hand, and returned to his place. Then the like was done by
the Marshal of the Burgesses, and all to the same effect.
May 11, 1654. 102

The Boor’s speech. In the last place stepped forth the Marshal of the Boors, a plain country fellow, in
his clouted shoon, and all other habits answerable, as all the rest of his company were accoutred. This boor,
without any congees or ceremony at all, spake to her Majesty, and was interpreted to Whitelocke to be after
this phrase:—
“O Lord God, Madam, what do you mean to do? It troubles us to hear you speak of forsaking those
that love you so well as we do. Can you be better than you are? You are Queen of all these countries, and if
you leave this large kingdom, where will you get such another? If you should do it (as I hope you
won’t for all this), both you and we shall have cause, when it is too late, to be sorry for it. Therefore
my fellows and I pray you to think better on’t, and to keep your crown on your head, then you will
keep your own honour and our peace; but if you lay it down, in my conscience you will endanger all.
Continue in your gears, good Madam, and be the fore-horse as long as you live, and we will help you the best
we can to bear your burden.
“Your father was an honest gentleman and a good king, and very stirring in the world; we obeyed him
and loved him as long as he lived; and you are his own child, and have governed us very well, and we love
you with all our hearts; and the Prince is an honest gentleman, and when his time comes we shall be ready to
do our duties to him as we do to you; but as long as you live we are not willing to part with you, and therefore
I pray, Madam, do not part with us.”
When the boor had ended his speech, he waddled up to the Queen without any ceremony, took her by the 224
hand and shook it heartily, and kissed it two or three times; then turning his back to her, he pulled out of his
pocket a foul handkerchief and wiped the tears from his eyes, and in the same posture as he came up he
returned back to his own place again.
When the orations were all ended, one of the Queen’s secretaries, by her command, read unto the
Assembly a paper, which Whitelocke procured to be given to him in a copy, and translated into English.
The Queen’s declaration to the Diet. The Proposition of her Majesty of Sweden to the Estates
assembled at Upsal the 11th of May, in the year 1654.
“Since for certain reasons her Majesty found it good and necessary to assemble the Estates of the
Kingdom at this time, and that they have given testimony of their obedience in their coming together, her
Majesty hath great cause to rejoice that the good God hath preserved our country from all apparent harms, and
principally from the contagious sickness of the plague, which spread itself in divers places the last autumn,
but at present is ceased, so that we may meet together in all safety. Her Majesty rejoiceth in the good health of
her faithful subjects; and this obligeth us not only to return humble thanks to our good God, but the more to
supplicate Him for the future to avert his fatherly chastisements from us.
“Also her Majesty understands with great joy, that the scarcity and dearth in the late years is now
changed into fruitfulness and abundance, so that the last year there was not only very great abundance of all
things which the earth produceth, but further, thanks be to God, we have cause, according to appearances, to
hope this year will be no less fruitful; the which great blessing of God to this country clearly shows us the
great obligations which we have to Him.
“Also her Majesty calls to mind, that which she graciously mentions to her faithful subjects, how the
country, 225 within the limits thereof, is at present in a good and peaceable condition, and so hath been kept
by Divine Providence, and the faithful care of her Majesty, in times of danger; and when war, and the
imminent perils accompanying the same roundabout us, had the sway, yet we always continued in quiet
without taking part in others’ quarrels, and for this end hath always endeavoured to entertain a sincere
friendship and good correspondence with her neighbours and allies.
May 11, 1654. 103

“And as to the neighbourhood of Denmark, her Majesty hath nothing to fear, since she hath given no
occasion in anything but of sincere friendship and firm peace.
“In like manner, with all possible care, by her Commissioners, hath composed the differences touching
the limits between her and the Great Duke of Muscovy; and although the said Duke hath signified to her
Majesty by divers envoys that he would justify the expedition of war newly made by him against the
Polanders, with all the reasons thereof, yet since that is a business which can no way involve her Majesty and
the Crown of Sweden, there is no cause to fear it; provided their actions be watched, and that, by little and
little, preparation be made, if there shall be cause to apply some remedies.
“With the King and Crown of Poland is continued the amnesty for twenty-six years, formerly
accorded; and although her Majesty wisheth that this amnesty had been converted into a perpetual
peace,—and for this end she hath caused pains to be taken twice at Lübeck, by the mediators and her
Commissioners, and although they are not yet agreed,—nevertheless her Majesty understands so much
on the part of Poland that they are not disaffected to the renewing of the treaties for a longer time, so that her
Majesty hath no cause but to promise herself at length a favourable success therein.
“With the Emperor and Roman Empire her Majesty, since the peace executed in Germany, hath
continued and maintained good amity and correspondence; and for this 226 end she hath her ambassadors
there, who have their places in the present Diet for the principality of Bremen, Verden, and Pomerland, among
the other members of the empire who do there maintain and observe the interests of her Majesty; and for the
conclusion of the peace of Germany her Majesty hath resolved, by a great embassy, to accept the possession
and investiture, from the Emperor, of the conquered countries.
“Also her Majesty hath a good correspondence and friendship with France and Spain by fit means and
a good alliance.
“But particularly her Majesty rejoiceth that the perilous war made in the ocean between the powerful
Commonwealths of England and the United Provinces (by which we have received very great damage in our
trade throughout, as it appeareth) is appeased and ended; and that, since, her Majesty hath made an alliance
with the Commonwealth of England for the security of navigation and commerce, so that the faithful subjects
of her Majesty may thereby hope to have great advantage and profit.
“In this posture and state of affairs, her Majesty thinks it fit to prosecute her intention, which she hath
conceived some years since, and to put the same in execution, that is, to give up the kingdom of Sweden and
her sceptre to his Royal Highness, the most high, most illustrious Prince Charles Gustavus, by the grace of
God designed hereditary Prince of the kingdom of Sweden, Count Palatine of the Rhine in Bavaria, Prince of
Jülich, Cleves, and Bergen; and this is the only business which her Majesty hath to propose to her faithful
subjects at this time.
“Her Majesty also hath this gracious confidence in all the Estates here now assembled, that when they
shall consider with what dexterity, pains, and travail her Majesty for ten years hath managed the affairs of this
kingdom, and with such good fortune that all the counsels and intentions of her Majesty have been followed
with such happy success, that the State, with great honour and reputation, 227 hath escaped many difficulties
of war, and yet enjoys such quiet, that they cannot judge or conclude that her Majesty would now make any
alteration were it not for the good and safety of this nation.
“The Estates, which have been formerly assembled, know very well how earnestly her Majesty pressed
that the kingdom and government might be provided of a successor, thereby to avoid and cut off the sudden
accidents which happen when a government is uncertain; for which reason the Estates in that point did agree
and think good heretofore that his Highness should be chosen and made hereditary Prince and successor to the
May 11, 1654. 104

crown. All this her Majesty did propose and urge till it was brought to the effect which that time produced.
“And to the end that her Majesty, during her life, may have the pleasure to see the happy effect of this
design, and that the entire government may be rendered into the hands of his Royal Highness, therefore her
Majesty hath resolved to quit the crown and the privileges of it, and to put them into the hands of his Royal
Highness.
“And although this resolution of her Majesty may seem strange and unexpected to the Estates of the
kingdom, nevertheless, according to her gracious confidence, she believes that they will consent to her quiet
in retiring herself from so heavy a burden, by their contributing an assent to the proposed alteration.
“Her Majesty likewise assures herself (as the Estates by their former acts have always testified) of the
esteem which they have of the person and of the rare virtues and well-known qualities of his Royal Highness;
and that they will find that he will employ them to a prudent government and to their great advantage, and that
at length they will not be deceived by this change, or any ways prejudiced: for which end her Majesty
promiseth and offereth to contribute all her advice and counsel and endeavour,—chiefly that his Royal
Highness, before his entry into the government, may assure the Estates and effectually do that which 228 the
Kings of Sweden upon the like occasions have used to do, and are by the laws and customs obliged unto.
“And on the other part, that the Estates and all the subjects of Sweden be obliged to render unto his
Royal Highness that respect, obedience, and all those rights which appertain to a King, and which they are
obliged to perform.
“And as her Majesty hath considered and resolved upon the means whereby her Majesty may enjoy a
yearly pension to be settled upon her during her life, and having communicated her purpose therein to his
Royal Highness the successor to the crown, so she graciously hopeth that her faithful subjects and the Estates
will be content therewith, humbly receiving and consenting to what her Majesty hath graciously disposed.
“Her Majesty graciously requires all the Estates of the kingdom that they would, as soon as may be,
consider this business, to the end that the resolution taken by her Majesty may in a short time be brought unto
effect.
“Her Majesty most graciously thanks all her faithful subjects for the obedience, honour, and respect
which every one of them hath faithfully testified to her Majesty during the time of her government; so that her
Majesty hath received full contentment by their most humble demeanour, which hereafter, upon all occasions,
she will acknowledge with all gratitude.
“Her Majesty also hopeth that her most faithful subjects will be satisfied, and give a good construction
of the faithful care which her Majesty hath employed for all in general and their happiness, and chiefly for the
gracious affection which she hath testified towards every one in particular.
“Her Majesty wisheth that the most high and most powerful God would conserve and protect our dear
country, with all the inhabitants thereof and all the subjects, from all harm; and to conclude, that the estates of
the kingdom, as well in general as in particular, may continue and increase from day to day, and may for ever
flourish.”
229 After this proposition was read, the Queen’s servants were called in, and she went out of the hall,
attended by them and the Ricks-Senators in the same way and manner as she came in; and after she was gone,
first the Archbishop of Upsal and the clergy following him; second, the Marshal and Nobility; third, the
Marshal and Burgesses; fourth, the Marshal and Boors, went out of the hall in the same order as they first
came in; and when they were all gone, Whitelocke returned to his lodging.
May 11, 1654. 105

The solemnities of the marriage resumed. About eleven o’clock in the evening, the master of the
ceremonies came to bring Whitelocke to the remainder of the solemnities of the marriage. Whitelocke, in no
good condition to go abroad, having sat up the last night, yet rather than discontent the Queen and the
nobility, who had sent for him, he went with the master in the Queen’s coach to the
bridegroom’s lodging in the castle, who met him in the outer chamber and brought him into another
room where were many senators and lords; they all took their coach, and went in the same order as the day
before to the Queen, where the bride and ladies were expecting them.
They came all to the great hall, where the Queen and the company took their places, and the drums beating
and trumpets sounding. A gentleman entered the hall carrying a spear or pike covered with taffeta of the
bridegroom’s colours, all but the head, which was silver, worth about twenty crowns; he stood by the
bride, holding the spear in the middle, both ends of it about breast-high, and the bridegroom was brought and
placed by his bride. Then Senator Bundt made a solemn speech to the Queen, which (according to the 230
interpretation made to Whitelocke) was to thank her Majesty for the favour which she did to the bride and
bridegroom in permitting the nuptials to be in her Court; and he acquainted the Queen, and published to the
company, what dowry the bridegroom had given that morning to his bride, with two thousand ducats for her
provision; and that twelve of the nobility, of the alliance and friends to them both, were witnesses thereunto,
and were to take care that the money should be disposed to the use of the wife and children, in case she
survived her husband.
Then a gentleman read aloud the names of the twelve witnesses, who, as they were called one after another,
making their honours to the Queen, went and laid their right hands on the spear; and then was published the
dowry and augmentation thus by these twelve witnesses. After this the spear was laid down at the feet of the
bride, and all, making their solemn reverences to the Queen, took again their places. Then the same gentleman
that laid down the spear, took it up again and threw it out of the window into the great court; where a
multitude of people stood expecting it, and scrambled for the head of it, and for the taffeta, which they tore in
pieces and wore in their hats as the bride’s favours.
After this ceremony ended, the bridegroom came and took the bride by the hand, and they marched after the
torches to the sound of the drums and trumpets; after that the bridegroom took the Queen by the hand, and the
bride came and took the English Ambassador by the hand, and other noblemen took their several ladies, and
they marched two and two amidst the torches and to the same loud music as they had 231 done the night
before. After this the noblemen and ladies went to dance French dances and country dances; but Whitelocke
having watched the night before, and not being well, he privately withdrew himself from the company and
retired to his house, wondering that the Queen, after so serious a work as she had been at in the morning,
could be so pleased with this evening’s ceremonies.
May 12, 1654.

Despatches from England. About one o’clock the last night, Whitelocke, coming from the solemnities
of the Court, received two packets of letters from England. He had the more cause to remember the time,
because then, although midnight, he could perfectly read his letters without any candle or other light than that
of the heavens, which in this season of the year scarce leaves any night at all, but so as one may well read all
the night long with the help of twilight.
The letters from Thurloe of the first date acquainted Whitelocke that now he had sent duplicates of the last
instructions by a ship going to Sweden. In Thurloe’s second letters, dated 13th of April, he mentions
the instructions sent formerly to Whitelocke, and acquaints him again with the effect of them, and the
Protector’s order, by which he leaves it to Whitelocke to return home when he shall judge it fit; and
that if he should stay the ceremonies of the coronation of the new King, it would occasion great delay. And he
May 12, 1654. 106

writes further:—
“But in truth we cannot believe, notwithstanding all that is said, that her Majesty will quit her crown,
being so well 232 qualified in all respects to govern as she is, and seems to be very well accepted of her
people.”
Then he again mentions the signing of the peace with the Dutch, and that the Protector had appointed
Commissioners to treat with the French, Spanish, and Portugal Ambassadors, but had not yet declared himself
to any of his neighbours.
“That the business in Scotland was well; that the Protector had taken away Colonel Rich’s
commission, whereof the officers of his regiment were glad; that many congratulatory petitions to his
Highness came from divers counties, one from Bucks; that the Protector proceeded to reformation of the law
and ministry, and I hope he will merit as well in that as in the military affairs. I return your Excellence my
humble thanks for your acceptance of my endeavours to serve you; I can say they come from an honest heart,
which very really embraceth every opportunity wherein I may manifest myself
“Your Excellence’s faithful humble servant,
“Jo. Thurloe.
“Whitehall, 13th April, 1654.”
Whitelocke received several letters in these packets from Mr. Cokaine; one, dated the 2nd of April, saith
thus:—
“You will have leave from his Highness to take your first opportunity to come away, and I hope it will
not be without bringing your business to a happy and an honourable issue, which is the constant subject of our
requests to the Lord for you, and I doubt not but we shall have a comfortable answer. In the meantime I think,
as I have hinted to your Excellence in former letters, it will not be amiss if you draw good store of bills upon
us, though but pro formâ, that we may get as much money for you as we can before your return, and that you
may have a sufficient overplus to pay all servants’ wages off, which I believe will 233 amount to a
considerable sum; and upon this peace I hope it will be no hard matter to get your bills paid, especially if your
Excellence please withal to write to my Lord Protector and Mr. Thurloe and some of the Council about it. I
could wish that you would make what haste you can home, for I am informed by a special hand that there is
great labouring to make a Chancellor whilst you are absent, and to take that opportunity to put you by, whom
I believe they doubt to be too much a Christian and an Englishman to trust in their service; but I hope God
will give you a heart to submit to His will, and to prize a good conscience above all the world, which will
indeed stand us in stead when all outward things cannot in the least administer to us.
“Your Excellence’s most humble servant,
“Geo. Cokaine.
“April 2nd.”
In another letter from Mr. Cokaine he saith:—
“Mr. Thurloe was pleased to acquaint me that it was his Highness and the Council’s pleasure to
make some alteration in the Chancery; that it was determined that your Lordship and Sir Thomas Widdrington
and my Lord Lisle should have the custody of the Great Seal, and I believe an Act to that purpose will pass
May 12, 1654. 107

within few hours; but I perceive this business was not done without some tugging; but my Lord Protector and
John Thurloe are true to you, and now I am out of all fears that any affront should be offered you in your
absence. Mr. Mackworth deserves a letter from you; but nothing, I pray, of this business. Indeed Mr. Thurloe
hath played his part gallantly and like a true friend, for which I shall love him as long as I live.”
In other letters from Mr. Cokaine in this packet, dated 14th April, he saith:—
“Your old servant Abel is much courted by his Highness to be his Falconer-in-Chief; but he will not
accept it 234 except your Excellence had been here to give him your explicit leave to serve his Highness, and
told me, without stuttering, he would not serve the greatest prince in the world except your Excellence were
present, to make the bargain that he might wait upon you with a cast of hawks at the beginning of September
every year into Bedfordshire. It is pity that gallantry should hurt any. Certainly it is a noble profession that
inspires him with such a spirit.
“My Lord Protector this week hath expressed great respect to your Excellence upon the death of the
Clerk of the Peace of Bucks. Some of the justices came up and moved his Highness to put one into his place,
who thereupon asked who was Custos Rotulorum. They answered, the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke. He
thereupon replied that the place should not be disposed of till his return. They urged it again with many
reasons; but he gave them the same answer, only with this addition, that he was to return sooner than perhaps
they were aware of.”
By this packet Whitelocke received letters from Mr. Selden, which were thus:—
“For his Excellence the Lord Whitelocke, Lord Ambassador from the State of England to her Majesty
of Sweden.
“My Lord,
“Your Excellence’s last of the 3rd of February brought me so unexpressible a plenty of the
utmost of such happiness as consists in true reputation and honour, as that nothing with me will equal or come
near it. First, that her most excellent Majesty, a Prince so unparalleled and incomparable and so justly
acknowledged with the height of true admiration by all that either have or love arts or other goodness, should
vouchsafe to descend to the mention of my mean name and the inquiry of my being and condition with such
most gracious expressions. Next, that your Excellence, whose favours have been so continually multiplied on
me, should be the person of whom such inquiry 235 was made. All the danger is, that your noble affection
rendered me far above myself. However, it necessitates me to become a fervent suitor to your Excellence, that
if it shall fall out that her Majesty and you have again leisure and will to speak of any such trifle as I am, you
will be pleased to represent to her Majesty my most humble thanks, and my heart full of devotion to her, of
which I too shall study to give, if I can, some other humble testimony. God send her most excellent Majesty
always her heart’s desires, and the most royal amplitude of all happiness, and your Lordship a good
despatch and safe and timely return.
“My Lord, your Excellence’s most
“obliged and humble servant,
“Jo. Selden.
“Whitefriars, March 2nd, 1653.”
May 12, 1654. 108

Whitelocke had also in this packet letters from his old friends Mr. Hall, Mr. Eltonhead, the Lord
Commissioner Lisle, his brothers Wilson and Carleton, Mr. Peters, Sir Joseph Holland, and divers others; also
letters from Hamburg, from Mr. Bradshaw, the Protector’s Resident there, with some intercepted
letters from the King’s party, as Sir Edward Hyde and several others.
His audience of leave-taking. This day being appointed for Whitelocke’s last audience, he was habited
in a plain suit of very fine English cloth of musk-colour, the buttons of gold, enamelled, and in each button a
ruby, and rich points and ribbons of gold; his gentlemen were in their richest clothes; his pages and lacqueys,
above twenty, in their liveries. In the afternoon two of the Ricks-Senators, with the master of the ceremonies,
came with two of the Queen’s coaches to Whitelocke’s house, to bring him to his audience. He
received them with the usual ceremony, and after they had sat a little 236 while in his bedchamber, one of the
Senators said that by the Queen’s command they were come to him to accompany him to his audience
which he had desired this day, and that her Majesty was ready to receive him. Whitelocke answered, that he
was always desirous to wait upon her Majesty, and not the less now because it was in order to return to his
own country. They made no long compliments, but went down and took their coaches.
The noblemen’s coaches sent thither to accompany him went first, then followed his two coaches, and
last the Queen’s coaches. In the last of them sat the two Senators in the fore-end, Whitelocke in the
back-end, and the master in the boot; the gentlemen in the several coaches, the pages and lacqueys walking
and riding behind the coaches. At the bridge of the castle was a guard of musketeers more than formerly, of
about two companies, with their officers; they made a lane from the bridge to the end of the Court. As soon as
Whitelocke was alighted out of the coach, the Ricks-Hofmeister with his silver staff met him at the
stairs’ foot, very many of the Queen’s servants and courtiers with him very gallant.
Whitelocke’s gentlemen went first, two and two up the stairs; after them the Queen’s servants,
then the master of the ceremonies, then the Hof-Marshal, then the two Senators and Whitelocke between
them, followed by his sons, his chaplains, physician, secretaries, and steward, and after them his pages and
lacqueys. In this order they mounted the stairs, and through the great chamber to the guard-chamber, where
the Queen’s partisans stood in their rich coats, with the arms of Sweden embroidered with gold, their
swords by their sides, and rich halberds 237 gilded in their hands; they stood in a fixed posture, more like
images than men. When they came to the audience-chamber, there was scarce room for any of
Whitelocke’s gentlemen to come in; but by the civility of the Queen’s servants room was made
for them, and they made a lane from the door of the chamber to the upper end near the Queen, who was upon
a foot-pace covered with carpets, and a rich canopy over her head. Her habit was black silk stuff for her coats,
and over them a black velvet jippo, such as men use to wear; she had upon her breast the jewel of the Order of
the Knights of Amaranta; her hair hung loose as it used to do, and her hat was after the fashion of men. A
great number of senators and of civil and military officers and courtiers,—many more than ordinarily
did appear at any audience,—stood all bare about her, and a few ladies were behind her. She stood
upon the carpets before the state with her hat on; and when Whitelocke came first into the room, and pulled
off his hat, the Queen presently pulled off her hat; and when Whitelocke made his honours, she answered him,
though at that distance, with a short curtsey. After his three obeisances, being come up to the Queen, he kissed
her hand; then the Queen put on her hat, and Whitelocke put on his hat, and after a little pause, with high
silence and solemnity in all the company, Whitelocke took off his hat, and the Queen took off her hat
likewise, and all the time of his speaking both of them were uncovered. Whitelocke, having made his
ceremonies, spake to the Queen thus:—
Whitelocke’s farewell speech. “Madam,
“I confess that the time of my absence from my relations and concernments in my own country would
have seemed 238 very tedious, had I not been in the public service and honoured with admittance into your
Majesty’s presence, whose favours, answerable to your greatness though above my merit, have been
enlarged towards me during the whole time of my residence under the just and safe protection of your
May 12, 1654. 109

Majesty; the which,—with the civilities of those most excellent persons with whom I treated, and of
those who have been pleased to honour me with their acquaintance in your Court,—I shall not fail to
acknowledge with all respect.
“But, Madam, to your Majesty I shall not presume to return any other acknowledgment than by the
thanks of my Lord the Protector, who is able to judge of the affection shown to him, and to the
Commonwealth whereof he is the head, by the honour done unto their servant.
“Madam, it is your great judgement in the public interest, and your desire to advance the good of your
own State and that of your neighbours, and the particular respect that you bear to my master, whereby the
business trusted to my care by his Highness is brought to such an issue as I hope will be a solid foundation of
great and mutual prosperity to both these nations.
“I have nothing to add on my part, but to entreat that my failings and errors, not wilfully committed,
may be excused; to take my leave of your Majesty, and to assure you that there is no person who honours you
more than I do, and who shall be more ready to lay hold on any opportunity whereby I may endeavour, to the
utmost of my power, to contribute to the happiness and prosperity of your royal Majesty and of your
people.”
As it was done at Whitelocke’s first audience, so he now ordered it, that Monsieur De la Marche, one
of his chaplains, did, at the end of every sentence, as Whitelocke spake, interpret the same to the Queen in
French. During all the time of his speaking to the Queen she looked him wistly in the face and came up very
near unto him, as she had done at his first audience,—perhaps to have daunted him, as she had 239
done others, but he was not daunted; and when he had made an end of speaking, after a little pause the Queen
answered him in the Swedish language, which was then interpreted in Latin to Whitelocke, to this
effect:—
The Queen’s reply. “My Lord Ambassador,
“It may well be that your stay in this place, where you have been so ill accommodated, and your
absence from your near relations and native country, hath been tedious to you; but I can assure you that your
residence in my Court hath been a contentment to myself and to those who have had the honour to converse
with you in this place; and it would have been a blemish to me and to all under my government if in this time
anything of injury or danger had fallen out to your person or to any of your people. I hope I may say that there
hath been no such thing offered to you, and I am glad of it.
“I do not know that your judgement hath deceived you in anything but this, that you have too great a
value of my understanding of public affairs. It hath been your prudent management of the business committed
to your trust by the Protector, and my particular respects to him and to your Commonwealth, with the good
inclinations of the people of this country towards you, and the general interests of the Protestant party, which
have brought your business to effect, and which, I hope, will occasion much good and happiness to these
nations and to all the Evangelical party. And truly, Sir, your demeanour on all occasions requires from us this
testimony, that we have found much honour and great abilities to be in you; and I should be very unwilling to
part with so good company, were it not in order to your own satisfaction for your return to England.
“I know no errors committed by you here, but desire your excuse of the want of those expressions of
our respect which this place would not afford. The thanks are due to you for your patience, and for the
affection which you have 240 testified to me and to this nation, from whom you may depend upon a firm
friendship and amity, with a true respect to the Protector and Commonwealth of England, and an honourable
esteem of yourself in particular, to whom we wish a safe and prosperous return to your own country.”
May 12, 1654. 110

After the Queen had done speaking, Whitelocke had some private discourse of compliment with her in
French, to give her Majesty thanks for her noble treatment of him and many favours to him; then, according to
the usage of this Court, he delivered to Mr. Lagerfeldt, standing by, a copy of his speech, in English, signed
by him with his hand, and another copy of his speech in Latin, not signed by him, to be presented to the
Queen. Then Whitelocke took his leave, and kissed her Majesty’s hand, who gave him the adieu with
great respect and civility. He was conducted back to his coach with the same ceremony as he was brought to
his audience; and the same two senators, with the master of the ceremonies, returned with him to his house,
and after usual compliments passed between them, they returned to the Court.
The trouble of the day was not yet ended; but after Whitelocke had come from the Court, Lagerfeldt brought
to him the articles touching Guinea which were agreed upon and signed and sealed by the Queen’s
Commissioners, as the other part of them was by Whitelocke.240
241 After the great toil of this busy day, a yet greater toil must be undergone by Whitelocke to make his
despatches for England. By his letters to Thurloe he again acquainted the Council with the good conclusion of
his treaty, and with his taking leave of the Queen in his last audience; and sent him copies of the speeches, and
gave an account of the business of Guinea, with all material passages since his last letters, and his resolution
and way of return home. He also answered the letters of every one of his friends, which were very many; but
that to his wife, as he was afterwards informed, caused much trouble and passion, that by this date of the
letter, 12th May, she perceived that he was not removed from Upsal in his journey to return homewards.
242 May 13, 1654.

Whitelocke takes leave of his friends. Whitelocke began his visits and compliments to take his leave of his
friends in this Court; and herein he was to be very exact, and not to omit any one who had given him the
honour of former visits. He, to be the less subject to mistakes, set down in writing the names of those whom
he was to visit, which made a long catalogue; but he must get through it, as part of the business of an
ambassador. And this day he began by visiting the French and Holland Residents, and the Grave Leonhough,
whose discourses were concerning the peace between England and the Dutch, the English strong fleet at sea,
of the Queen’s resignation, and other general themes not necessary to be repeated.
243 The Sound Dues. Woolfeldt gave a visit to Whitelocke and discoursed on the same subjects, but more
particularly of the interest of England and the payment of toll to the King of Denmark at the Sound, wherein
Whitelocke had good information from him, and such as, if it had been hearkened unto, would have been of
great advantage to the Protector and Commonwealth of England. So great an interest Whitelocke had gained
in the affection and friendship of this gentleman, that he would not conceal from him anything that he knew,
who knew more than any other that Whitelocke met with concerning the Sound, the King of Denmark, the
Court and courtiers here, or whatsoever related to Whitelocke’s business and to England.
May 14, 1654.

This Lord’s Day Sir George Fleetwood did Whitelocke the favour to bear him company at his house,
and told him that the Queen and her Lords were pleased with his deportment at his last audience, and with his
speech then made, which they commended, but is here omitted. He and others also acquainted Whitelocke that
the Queen took great pleasure at his carriage at the solemnity of the nuptials at Court, and that he would dance
with them; and both the Queen and her courtiers said that the English Ambassador knew how to lay aside the
gravity of an ambassador when he pleased, and could play the courtier with as good a grace as any one that
ever they saw, with much to the like effect.
242 May 13, 1654. 111

May 15, 1654.

A private audience of the Queen. Whitelocke visited Marshal Wrangel and General 244 Wittenberg, and went
from thence to the castle to visit Grave Tott, who told him that the Queen had altered her purpose of sending
him into England, and would do him the honour to retain him with her, but that yet he hoped in a short time to
see England. Whitelocke said he should be glad to meet him, and to do him service there. They discoursed of
the Queen’s residence in Pomerland, or some other place near this country, and of the discommodities
and inconveniences which would arise thereby. Whitelocke told him that if the Queen had leisure, that he
should be glad to wait on her; and Tott went presently to know her pleasure, and promised to bring word to
Whitelocke if he might see the Queen, and did it at the Lady Jane Ruthven’s lodging, whither
Whitelocke was gone to take his leave of that lady; whence he brought Whitelocke to the traverse of the
wardrobe, where her Majesty came to him and conducted him into her bedchamber, where they thus
discoursed:—
Whitelocke. I humbly thank your Majesty for admitting me to be present at the meeting of the Ricksdag.
Queen. How did you like the manner and proceedings of it when you were there?
Wh. It was with the greatest gravity and solemnity that I ever saw in any public assembly, and well becoming
persons of their quality and interest.
Qu. There be among them very considerable persons, and wise men.
Wh. Such an assembly requires such men, and their carriage showed them to be such; but, Madam, I expected
that your Chancellor, after he spake with your Majesty, should, according to the course in our 245
Parliaments, have declared, by your direction, the causes of the Council’s being summoned.
Qu. It belongs to the office of the Chancellor with us to do it; and when I called him to me, it was to desire
him to do it.
Wh. How then came it to pass that he did it not, when his place and your Majesty required it?
Qu. He desired to be excused, and gave me this reason, that he had taken an oath to my father to use his
utmost endeavour to keep the crown on my head, and that the cause of my calling this Diet was to have their
consents for me to quit the Crown; that if he should make this proposition to them, it would be contrary to the
oath which he had taken to my father, and therefore he could not do it.
Wh. Did not your Majesty expect this answer?
Qu. Not at all, but was wholly surprised by it; and when the Ricksdag were met, my Chancellor thus excusing
himself, there was nobody appointed by me to declare to them the cause of their meeting; but rather than the
Assembly should be put off, and nothing done, I plucked up my spirits the best I could, and spake to them on
the sudden as you heard, although much to my disadvantage.
Wh. Indeed, Madam, you were much surprised; and I cannot but wonder that you should have no intimation
given you beforehand of your Chancellor’s resolution; but your Majesty will pardon me if I believe it
proved no disadvantage to you, when I had the honour to see and hear with how excellent a grace and how
prince-like your Majesty, in so great an assembly and on a sudden, delivered your mind and purpose.
Qu. You are apt to make the best construction of 246 it; you see I did adventure upon it, remembering that
May 15, 1654. 112

they were my subjects, and I their Queen.
Wh. Madam, you spake and acted like yourself, and were highly complimented by the several Marshals, but
above all the rest by the honest boor.
Qu. Was you so taken with his clownery?
Wh. It seemed to me as pure and clear natural eloquence, without any forced strain, as could be expressed.
Qu. Indeed there was little else but what was natural, and by a well-meaning man, who has understanding
enough in his country way.
Wh. Whosoever shall consider his matter more than his form will find that the man understands his business;
and the garment or phrase wherewith he clothed his matter, though it was rustic, yet the variety and plain
elegancy and reason could not but affect his auditors.
Qu. I think he spake from his heart.
Wh. I believe he did, and acted so too, especially when he wiped his eyes.
Qu. He showed his affection to me in that posture more than greater men did in their spheres.
Wh. Madam, we must look upon all men to work according to their present interest; and so I suppose do the
great men here as well as elsewhere.
Qu. Here I have had experience enough of such actings; I shall try what they do in other places, and content
myself, however I shall find it.
Wh. Your Majesty will not expect to find much difference in the humours of men, as to seeking themselves,
and neglecting those from whom they have received favours.
Qu. It will be no otherwise than what I am armed 247 to bear and not to regard; but your particular respects I
shall always remember with gratefulness.
Wh. Your Majesty shall ever find me your faithful servant. Do you intend, Madam, to go from hence to
Pomerland?
Qu. My intentions are to go presently, after my resignation, to the Spa; but wheresoever I am, you have a true
friend of me.
Wh. There is no person alive more cordially your Majesty’s servant than I am.
Qu. I do believe it, or else I should not have communicated to you such things as I have done.
Wh. Your Majesty hath therein expressed much confidence in me, which I hope shall never deceive you,
however my want of abilities may not answer your Majesty’s favours to me.
Qu. I have no doubt of your faithfulness, and you have sufficiently manifested your abilities. Give me leave to
trouble you with the company of a gentleman, my servant, whom I purpose to send over with you to England,
to take care for those things which I desire to have from thence.
May 15, 1654. 113

Wh. He shall be very welcome to me and my company, and I shall give him my best assistance for your
Majesty’s service.
Qu. I shall thank you for it, and command him to obey your directions.
Wh. Madam, if you please to accept a set of black English horses for your coach, I shall take the boldness to
send them to your stables; and pray your Majesty that the Master of your Horse may furnish me for my
journey to Stockholm.
Qu. I do thankfully accept your kindness, and all mine are at your service.
248 Wh. I have interrupted your Majesty too long. I desired the favour of this opportunity to present my most
humble thanks to your Majesty for all your noble favours to me and my company.
Qu. I entreat your excuse for the meanness of my presents. I could not do therein what I desired, nor after your
merit.
Wh. Madam, there is nothing of my merit to be alleged; but your Majesty hath testified much honour to the
Protector and Commonwealth whom I serve.
Qu. England is a noble country, and your master is a gallant man. I desire you to assure him, on my part, of all
affection and respect towards him.
Wh. Your Majesty may be confident of the like from his Highness; and your humble servant will heartily pray
for your Majesty’s prosperity, wherever you are.
Qu. I wish you a happy voyage and return to your own country.
After he came from the Queen, Whitelocke met with the Baron Steinberg, Master of her Horse, whom he
acquainted with what he had moved to her Majesty, and he was very forward to accommodate Whitelocke.
Discourse with Grave Eric on the customs of Swedish nuptials. From hence he went and visited Grave Eric
Oxenstiern, who discoursed with him about the solemnity of the nuptials at Court, and asked him how he
liked it.
Wh. They were very noble; but I pray, my noble brother, instruct me what the meaning was of the dowry
given by the bridegroom to the bride the next morning; and what do you call that dowry?
Gr. Eric. By the ancient custom of this country, the next morning after the wedding-night the husband 249
bestows upon his wife a gift of money according to his estate, to show how he is pleased with the
cohabitation, and to make some provision, in case of his death before her, for the wife, and children which he
shall have by her; and this we call a morgen-gaven—a morning’s gift.
Wh. The same word morgen-gaven is in the old terms of our English laws, and expounded to signify a second
dowry, and hath much affinity with this of yours and in that of your twelve witnesses who testified the
contract of marriage and the morgen-gaven; to which our trials by twelve men, whom we call juries because
they are sworn, are somewhat like, and they are so many witnesses as well as judges of the fact.
Gr. Eric. I believe your customs and ours had the same original.
May 15, 1654. 114

Wh. I find much resemblance between them and yours. What do you call the twelve that laid their hands on
the spear?
Gr. Eric. We call them the twelve witnesses (les douze témoins).
Wh. What do you call the spear or pike which the gentleman held?
Gr. Eric. We call it weppun.
Wh. We have the same word, weapon, for all manner of arms and warlike instruments. What do you call the
laying of their hands upon the spear?
Gr. Eric. We call it tack,—weppun-tack, to touch the spear.
Wh. We have also the word tack, for touching; and we have, in the northern parts of England, a particular
precinct or territory which we call a Wapentake, and a territorial court of justice there which we call a 250
Wapentake Court; and a very learned gentleman from whom I received letters in my last packet, Selden,
derives the name of Wapentake from weapon and tack; and saith they used to come to that court with their
weapons, and to touch one another’s weapons, from whence came the appellation of Wapentake.
Gr. Eric. Tacitus observes that at the public assemblies and councils of the Germans, they used to meet with
their weapons, and when anything was said that pleased them they would touch one another’s spears or
weapons, and thereby make a noise, to testify their consent and approbation.
Wh. Your ceremony of laying down the spear at the feet of the bride puts me in mind of another passage in
Tacitus, ‘De Moribus Germanorum;’ that when a man was married, he used to bring his arms
and lay them at the feet of his bride, to signify that he would not take them up nor go forth to war, being
newly married, without the leave of his wife, to whom he had now given the command of himself and of his
arms.
Gr. Eric. Our customs and those of the ancient Germans have much resemblance; but I never heard so good
observations upon the ceremonies of a wedding as your Excellence hath made.
Wh. I am delighted with these antiquities; but your Excellence shows your opinion to be that of a brother.
From Grave Eric, Whitelocke went to visit the Senator Schütt, and Lynde, who lodged in one house, and met
him at the door; and this day he made seven visits, besides his attendance upon the Queen, hastening to get
over these matters of compliment and 251 ceremony, that he might be upon his journey to Stockholm.
May 16, 1654.

Whitelocke entertains a party of ladies. Whitelocke visited General Douglas, who had been to visit him
before, and now showed great respect unto him, and gave him many thanks for the English horse which
Whitelocke had bestowed on him. After this, Whitelocke visited the Ricks-Admiral and the Senators
Rosenhau and Bundt.
In the afternoon he visited Woolfeldt, who brought Whitelocke into the room where his lady and other ladies
of great quality were with her. Whitelocke imagined some design to be herein, because it was a thing so
unusual to bring gentlemen and strangers into the company of their ladies; and it fell out to be so, for
Whitelocke, discoursing with the Lady Woolfeldt, who spake perfect French, she complained that she knew
May 16, 1654. 115

not where to have a place to see the entry of the Prince into Upsal. Whitelocke knowing his house to be
conveniently situate for that purpose, and understanding the lady’s complaint, he, to free her from the
danger of not seeing that solemnity, offered to her and to the rest of the ladies in her company, to command
his house, which if they pleased to honour with their presence to see the entry of the Prince, he should take it
as a great favour from their Excellencies; and the ladies readily accepted of his offer.
They presently came to Whitelocke’s house. With the Lady Woolfeldt was the Countess John
Oxenstiern, the Countess Eric Oxenstiern, the Countess Tott, the Baroness Gildenstiern, and seven or eight
other ladies of great quality. Before the Prince came into 252 the town, Whitelocke caused a collation to be set
on the table for the ladies, all after the English fashion, creams, tarts, butter, cheese, neats’ tongues,
potted venison, apples, pears, sweetmeats, and excellent wine. They ate heartily, and seemed to be much
pleased with it and with the Ambassador’s discourse, who strove to be cheerful with the ladies, and
found it not unacceptable to them.
The entry of the Prince. The Prince’s entry and reception into Upsal this evening was
thus:—The day before, by the Queen’s command, notice was given to all the senators, the
nobility, gentry, and persons of quality about the Court and in town, to come in their best equipage on
horseback, at one o’clock this afternoon to the castle, to attend the Queen on her going out to meet the
Prince. They accordingly resorted to the Court, a very great number, and attended the Queen forth in this
order, all passing and returning by Whitelocke’s window. First, Major-General Wrangel marched in
the head of four troops of horse of Upland, proper men and well armed, their horses not tall but strong; every
horseman carried ready in his hand one of his pistols, and his sword by his side, and most of them were well
habited. Then marched Colonel Bengt Horne in the head of the gentlemen and servants of the senators and
other volunteers, marching three and three abreast. After these rode about six of the Queen’s
kettle-drums and twelve trumpets. Then came Mr. Eric Flemming, Governor of Copperberg, Marshal of the
Nobility, followed by the heads of the families of the nobles in the same order as they are matriculated in the
Ricksdag. They were generally very rich in clothes and well horsed, lords and gentlemen 253 of principal note
and consideration in their country, and members of the Ricksdag; they also rode three and three abreast. After
them rode Mr. Gabriel Gabrielson, Marshal of the Court, and was followed by all the senators then in town,
being about thirty, riding two and two abreast, grave in their habits for the most part, and well horsed. Then
came the Ricks-Stallmaster and the Hof-Stallmaster—that is, the Master of the Horse of the Kingdom,
and the Master of the Horse of the Court—riding bareheaded. After them came the Queen, gallantly
mounted, habited in her usual fashion in grey stuff, her hat on her head, her pistols at her saddle-bow, and
twenty-four of the Gardes-du-Corps about her person. After the Queen followed the Great Chamberlain,
Grave Jacob de la Gardie, and Grave Tott, Captain of the Guards, both bareheaded. After them the Grave
Donae, Gustavus Oxenstiern, and Gustavus Jean Banier, riding bareheaded. Then rode all the gentlemen of
the Queen’s chamber, then the pages of her chamber. After them, in the last place, marched Colonel
Line, in the head of four companies of the Guards, well armed, and indifferently well habited.
In this order they marched about half a league out of town, to the place appointed to meet the Prince, who was
there attending. When they came thither, Major-General Wrangel marched to the left, leaving sufficient room
that the Guards might pass to the right hand, the volunteers and Queen’s servants likewise turned to
the left hand, and the Marshal of the Nobility to the right, with the Hof-Marshals; and all this train kept
excellent order and discipline, as did the Prince’s train, which was also very great.
254 The Prince was alighted from his horse before the Queen came very near to him. When the Queen
alighted, all the senators likewise alighted from their horses, but the nobility did not alight from horseback.
After his Royal Highness had kissed the Queen’s hand, she discoursed a little with him, he being
bareheaded all the time, and showing great respect to her as to his Queen. Then the Queen mounted again on
horseback, the Prince waiting on her. The troops marched back to the town in the same order as they came
forth, with great addition to their numbers. The Prince’s gentlemen and servants, who were a great
May 16, 1654. 116

number, fell into the troop where those of the Queen were, betwixt her gentlemen and the senators’
gentlemen,—his pages after the Queen’s. Himself rode after the Queen, and sometimes she
would call him (as she did in the street) to speak with him, and then he rode even with her, but all the way
bareheaded whilst he rode by the Queen and she talked with him.
The Prince was in a plain grey cloth suit of a light colour, mounted upon a very brave grey horse, with pistols
at his saddle and his sword by his side. The Queen’s lacqueys were in rich yellow liveries; the
Prince’s lacqueys in blue liveries, near twenty, walking by them. There were many led horses of the
Queen’s and of the Prince’s, and seven or eight sumpter-horses of the Prince’s; the
sumpter-clothes all of blue velvet, with the Prince’s arms embroidered on them, and rich silver fringe
about them; the grooms and sumpter-men in the same livery, about twenty of them.
In this equipage they marched through the streets of Upsal, multitudes of people being spectators of their 255
entry in the ways and windows. When they came to the Castle court, the nobility and volunteers alighted, and
walked two and two before the Queen up into the great hall and to the antechamber; and the Queen being
come into her withdrawing-room, after some little discourse there with the Prince and compliments passed, he
went to the lodgings prepared for him, with not a few waiting on him who was the rising sun.
Whitelocke had spoken to the master of the ceremonies touching the saluting of the Prince and the manner of
his reception, whereof he wished to know somewhat beforehand, to govern himself accordingly, and to avoid
any indignity or dishonour to be put upon the Protector and Commonwealth by his person. The master having
spoken to the Prince about it, brought word now to Whitelocke, that when he moved his Royal Highness
touching Whitelocke’s reception, the Prince said that the English Ambassador should have no cause to
complain of any want of respect in his reception. The more to manifest this, about ten o’clock this
evening, the Prince sent one of the gentlemen of his bedchamber, who came attended with three lacqueys, and
spake to Whitelocke in French, that the Prince, his master, commanded him to salute Whitelocke in his name,
and to inform him of the Prince’s arrival in this place, and that it was a great satisfaction to him to
hope that he should have the contentment to see the English Ambassador, and to entertain him before his
departure from Sweden.
Whitelocke desired that his thanks might be returned to his Royal Highness for this honour, and that he hoped
to obtain from him the favour to give him leave to salute him and to kiss his hand; that to 256 do this on the
part of the Protector, his master, was at present the only occasion of Whitelocke’s continuance in this
place; and for this end he had moved the master of the ceremonies to know the pleasure of his Royal
Highness, and to inform Whitelocke what time might be convenient to wait upon the Prince. The gentleman
replied, that Whitelocke’s company would be very acceptable to the Prince his master, and he doubted
not but an account would be given thereof to Whitelocke to his full contentment.
Whitelocke had sent this day to Grave John Oxenstiern, to know what time he might give him a visit; and the
Grave returned a proud answer, that it would not yet be convenient.
May 17, 1654.

The Resident of Holland came to visit Whitelocke near dinner-time, which gave him occasion to invite his
stay; and he and Sir G. Fleetwood, Mr. Bloome, Colonel Hambleton, Monsieur Lyllicrone, and two Dutch
gentlemen, did Whitelocke the favour to be at his table. Whitelocke gave the Resident the respect of the upper
end of the table, as he had formerly done to the French and Spanish Residents; and the Dutch gentleman was
well pleased with it, and with the English entertainment.
May 17, 1654. 117

Whitelocke’s audience of the Prince. Whitelocke, having received so great a respect from the Prince,
did again desire the master of the ceremonies to know what time might suit with the Prince’s leisure to
give Whitelocke leave to wait on him. This afternoon the master came to Whitelocke, and informed him that
the Prince had appointed four o’clock this 257 afternoon to give Whitelocke audience, and the master
said that he would come with the Queen’s coaches to bring Whitelocke to the castle when it was time;
and accordingly he came between five and six o’clock this evening. Whitelocke and his company went
with the master to the castle, and as soon as he was alighted out of his coach, he was received by the Marshal
and gentlemen of the Prince, a great number of them, at the foot of the stairs; some of them were very richly
habited. They walked first up the stairs, and those of Whitelocke’s train followed them; the master of
the ceremonies was on Whitelocke’s left hand. When they came to the guard-chamber, the Prince in
person came thither to receive Whitelocke at the door thereof, the same place where the Captain of the
Queen’s Guard used to meet and receive Whitelocke, who was a little surprised, not expecting such a
high favour as to be met by the Prince so far from the room of audience.
The Prince was plain, in his habit of black silk, accompanied by a great number of the senators, officers, and
nobility, which caused Whitelocke to know him, and with due respect to salute him, as he did Whitelocke; and
after a few compliments between them, the Prince desired Whitelocke to advance, who excused himself, but
the Prince pressed it; the contest was almost half an hour who should go first, till the master of the
ceremonies, by command of the Prince, whispered to Whitelocke to give way to the pleasure of the Prince,
who was resolved to give Whitelocke the precedence, thereby to testify the great respect and honour which he
had for the Protector, and for Whitelocke his servant. Thereupon Whitelocke said to the Prince, that since he
understood it to be the pleasure of his 258 Royal Highness, he would obey his commands; and so they went
on together, the Prince giving Whitelocke the right hand; and there was no occasion (by reason of the
largeness of the doors) for one to go before the other.
In the third room from the place where the Prince met Whitelocke was the audience chamber; there were set
two rich chairs upon foot-carpets one against the other under a canopy of state; here was also much ceremony
between the Prince and Whitelocke, who should take the right-hand chair; but the Prince would have
Whitelocke to sit there; and the room was full of senators, officers, noblemen, courtiers, and others of quality.
Whitelocke had advised in what language to speak to the Prince. He held it not fit to speak in English, because
he came not to him as ambassador, nor in Latin, there being nothing of treaty between them; but being a
matter of ceremony, he was advised and informed that it was the Prince’s desire that Whitelocke
should speak to him in French, the which he understood very well: and accordingly, being both set, and their
hats on, after a little pause Whitelocke put off his hat, and then the Prince did so likewise; then both putting on
their hats again, Whitelocke spake to the Prince to this effect:—
“Monseigneur,
“Je répute à grand bonheur l’opportunité qui m’est présentée de baiser les mains de
votre Altesse Royale, et la saluer de la part de Monseigneur le Protecteur de la République
d’Angleterre, d’Écosse, et d’Irelande, avant mon départ de ce royaume; ce que
j’eusse fait plus tôt et en autre lieu, sinon que la nécessité d’attendre l’issue de ce qui
m’a été donné en charge m’en avait empêché: mais 259 depuis sa conclusion, j’ai tardé
exprès pour ajouter à ma satisfaction celle d’avoir rendu mes devoirs à votre Altesse Royale, et lui
témoigner l’amitié et les respects de sa Sérénissime Altesse mon maître.”
After Whitelocke had done speaking the Prince staid a little time, and then in French answered him to this
purpose:—
“Monseigneur l’Ambassadeur,
May 17, 1654. 118

“Ce m’aurait été un grand trouble si, après la conclusion de vos affaires en cette cour, vous
aviez été dans l’inconvénience d’attendre mon arrivée en cette place; je suis bien aise de me
trouver ici devant votre départ de ce pays, qui m’a donné le contentement de vous connaître, et
l’occasion de témoigner le grand respect que j’ai à Monseigneur le Protecteur et à la
République que vous servez, et je reçois beaucoup de satisfaction qu’une amitié et alliance soit
contractée entre ce royaume et votre République, de laquelle j’espère et crois qu’elle sera pour
le bien des deux nations, et pour l’intérêt des Protestants.
“Il n’y a personne qui a plus d’estime de Monseigneur le Protecteur que moi, et de votre
République; et j’ai tant entendu de votre honorable et prudent maniement des affaires que vous aviez
ici, que ce m’a fait désirer de vous connaître et d’avoir l’opportunité de converser avec
vous, que vous m’avez présentement alloué, et je vous en remercie, et pour les respects de
Monseigneur le Protecteur, qu’il vous a plu me présenter en son nom, et qui me sont fort
agréables.”
After the speeches were ended, the Prince spake to Whitelocke to go with him into his cabinet, which he did,
and staid discoursing with him there above an hour together, all the company staying in the outer room. They
soon fell into a freedom of discourse, but at this time chiefly concerning the affairs of England, the peace with
the Dutch, and the English fleet 260 now at sea; also somewhat in particular to the Protector, his management
of affairs, and of their late troubles; in all which Whitelocke endeavoured to give the Prince satisfaction,
without doing injury to any one. The Prince brought Whitelocke back again to the same place where he met
him; and his servants went with him to his coach, and the Master of the Ceremonies brought him to his own
house.
After Whitelocke was returned home, Lagerfeldt came to him, and told him that the Prince was very much
pleased with the discourse between them, and with Whitelocke’s deportment; and Lagerfeldt said he
believed that the Prince would visit Whitelocke tomorrow; who said he could not expect such an honour, but
was glad that anything of his discourse was grateful to his Royal Highness.
Lagerfeldt informed Whitelocke that Grave Eric and Lagerfeldt were to go to Stockholm upon some public
occasions by command of the Ricksdag. Whitelocke asked him what the business was; but Lagerfeldt was not
forward to declare it, nor Whitelocke to press it; but he learned from another that the Ricksdag had deputed
two of every State to go to Stockholm to extract out of the public records and acts the special privileges
granted to the people at the coronation of any king, and of the present Queen, which they judged fit to be now
considered and ratified before the coronation of their new King. They were also to bring hither the acts of the
Ricksdag when the Prince was declared heir of the crown, and such other things as pertained to this business.
Whitelocke desired Lagerfeldt to do somewhat for him at Stockholm touching the sending away of his copper
from thence for England.
261 May 18, 1654.

The Ladies’ message to Whitelocke. The ladies who were at Whitelocke’s house to see the
entry of the Prince, sent thanks to Whitelocke for his noble treatment of them, which was done by Woolfeldt
and the master of the ceremonies, whom Whitelocke desired to make his excuse to the ladies, and to intercede
with them to pardon the affront which Whitelocke had put upon them by entertaining such noble ladies with
so mean a collation. The master said he durst not deliver any such message to them, who were so well pleased
with Whitelocke’s treatment of them; which appeared the more, in that the Lady Woolfeldt sent to him
to bestow upon her, being great with child, some of his English cheese. Whitelocke sent her all he had left,
and to other ladies what they desired, his English sweetmeats and other cakes, which with them were of great
esteem.
261 May 18, 1654. 119

The Prince visits Whitelocke. Whitelocke having this forenoon visited several Senators and great Lords, and
being returned home, a servant of the Prince, a Baron of great esteem, came to him from the Prince, to know if
Whitelocke’s leisure would permit to receive a visit from his Royal Highness in the afternoon.
Whereunto Whitelocke answered, that if the Prince had any service to command him, he would wait upon his
Royal Highness at his Court; the Baron replied, that the Prince intended a visit to Whitelocke at
Whitelocke’s house, who said he could not expect nor admit of such a condescension in the Prince and
high favour to him, but that he would wait upon the Prince in the afternoon. The Baron said that must not be,
but that it was the resolution of the Prince to testify that extraordinary respect 262 to the Protector and to
Whitelocke, as to come in person to visit Whitelocke at his own house; who said, that if it were the pleasure of
the Prince to have it so, he should attend the receiving of that great honour at such a time as his Royal
Highness should think fit to afford it to him.
Woolfeldt, and Douglas, and several others, being with Whitelocke at dinner, they discoursed of this
extraordinary high respect of the Prince to the Protector and to Whitelocke, and said that it was partly
occasioned by the exceptions taken by the public Ministers in this Court at the reception which the Prince
gave unto Whitelocke yesterday beyond what he used to afford them of respect and honour; and this coming
to the Prince’s ear, he said that if they were offended with him for that, he would yet give them further
cause of being displeased, and thereupon sent to Whitelocke that he would this afternoon visit him; they also
informed Whitelocke, as Lagerfeldt had done, that the Prince was much satisfied with the discourse of
Whitelocke, and his demeanour.
About three o’clock in the afternoon the Prince came to Whitelocke’s house, attended with a
very great train. He was in one of the Queen’s coaches, which was followed by several of his own
coaches, all with six horses apiece, and sundry gentlemen on horseback, with the principal officers of the
Court and of the army, besides his own gentlemen, officers, servants, pages, and lacqueys to a great number,
waiting on him. It fell out to be on the day of a fair, kept in the open place before Whitelocke’s house,
so that, with the people coming to the fair, and the Prince’s train, the streets were exceedingly
crowded.
263 As the Prince alighted out of his coach, Whitelocke was there to receive him, all the gentlemen of
Whitelocke’s train attending on him, and his servants in livery making a lane, about twenty on each
hand, from the Prince’s coach to Whitelocke’s house, through which the Prince and he passed,
Whitelocke giving the Prince the right hand, which he scrupled not to take in that place. They went together
covered into Whitelocke’s house, sat down in his bedchamber, and fell into much freedom of discourse
for above two hours together. In the meantime the lords and gentlemen of the Prince’s train being in
several other rooms, according to their respective qualities, Whitelocke had taken order to be entertained by
his officers and servants, not only with discourse, but with good wine brought from England, and such
collation as was then to be had and was pleasing to them.
The Prince and Whitelocke had variety of discourses; and Whitelocke looking upon this as an opportunity
whereby he might speak in such things as might tend to the honour of God, and which his own subjects
perhaps would not so plainly make known to him, Whitelocke used the more freedom, and part of their
discourse was—
Prince. I am very glad that your affairs have permitted you a stay in this place so long as to give me the
opportunity of your company, wherein I take much contentment.
Whitelocke. Your Royal Highness doth very much honour me in esteeming my company worth your notice,
and herein you are pleased to testify great respect to the Protector, my master, and to the Commonwealth
whom I serve.
261 May 18, 1654. 120

264 Pr. I have a very true honour for the Protector, and for England, where I have been, and account it one of
the best countries in the world.
Wh. It is indeed, Sir, a very good country, and honoured by your knowledge of it and having been upon it.
Pr. But I doubt that by your late troubles it may be much damaged.
Wh. Truly, Sir, God hath so ordered it that those desolations which usually attend on war, especially a civil
war, have not been so much in our country as others have felt who have been plunged in those miseries.
Pr. It is a great blessing to you, especially considering your change hath been so great and your troubles so
lasting.
Wh. Our troubles endured a long time, but, blessed be God, at present we enjoy peace and settlement after our
changes. The discourse here is now altogether of the voluntary change like to be in your Highness’s
country.
Pr. Her Majesty is pleased to take a resolution to resign her government, and I am commanded hither upon
that occasion, though altogether unsought for by me.
Wh. You are, Sir, every way worthy of it, and the more for not seeking it; and being the will of God is to bring
you to such an increase of power as to the royal dignity, it will turn most to your own and your
people’s good, to employ your power to the honour of Him that gives it, and to prefer His service by
whom kings reign before any other concernments.
Pr. I must acknowledge that throughout the whole 265 course of my life God hath been very good to me, and
I am the more engaged to honour Him and to do Him service in any station wherein he shall be pleased to set
me.
Wh. Your Royal Highness will be pleased to pardon my freedom of speaking to you what I understand may be
most for the honour of God and your service.
Pr. Such discourse is most pleasing to me, especially from a person of such piety and honour as I esteem you
to be, and who can have no private ends thereby.
Wh. We have observed in England, and it is so everywhere, that the blessing of God follows those that serve
Him.
Pr. That is a true rule; but our service must be in heart, and not in profession or outward show only.
Wh. It is true that the enemies of the Parliament use to reproach them with hypocrisy in their profession of
religion and with their preaching to their soldiers; yet that our profession is real doth appear somewhat in this,
that the blessing of God hath accompanied our profession and our practice; and when our enemies are in
debauchery and injuring the people, our officers and soldiers meet together, exhorting one another out of the
Scripture and praying together, and God hath given His blessing thereupon.
Pr. I do very well approve that course, and your profession and practice in matters of religion; but we hear of
too much difference of opinion among you in those matters.
Wh. We have indeed too much difference of opinion among us in matters of religion; but yet the public peace
is not broken, but carefully preserved.
261 May 18, 1654. 121

266 Pr. But if there be not a uniformity among you in those matters, your peace will be endangered.
Wh. We do not yet find that danger; and we look upon it as a liberty due to all Christians to take what way of
worship they think best for the good of their own souls.
Pr. Suppose the way they take be not agreeable to the Word of God?
Wh. The consequence thereof will be their own misery.
Pr. But should not the magistrate lead them and constrain them in the right way?
Wh. We hold the better way to be, by meek exhortations and instructions to endeavour to reclaim them from
any error, and not by force to compel men’s consciences, as is used in these parts.
Pr. What if mild means will not work upon them?
Wh. They will have the worst of it; but as long as they do not break the public peace, it is hard for the
magistrate imperiously to command and force his brethren to worship God after his opinion; and it is not
imaginable that he should take more care of men’s souls than they themselves, whose consciences
ought to be free.
Pr. We are somewhat strict in this point in our country.
Wh. But I have heard that your Royal Highness hath shown moderation, and indulged this liberty, in other
countries where you commanded.
Pr. I did not think fit to be so severe in this point in Germany as we are in Sweden.
Wh. I think your Highness did therein according to the mind of God, who will not have a restraint upon 267
His children in the worship of Him; and I hope you will in time take off the severity of your laws here in this
particular.
Pr. I am no friend to severity of laws upon men’s consciences; but reformation among us is not soon to
be brought about, where there hath been a long usage of the contrary.
Wh. In England we have of late obtained great reformation in many things, particularly touching the
observation of the Lord’s Day; and pardon me, Sir, if I wish the like reformation in this kingdom, and
that the Lord’s Day were not so much neglected, nay profaned, as I have seen in this place. I hope and
humbly advise your Royal Highness that, when God shall place you in the sovereignty over this people, you
will take care to provide a remedy and reformation herein, and also of that sin of excessive drinking and
swearing with which the people are so much infected, and which may cause a fear lest the anger of God
should go forth against this nation; but it will be very much in your power to apply a fit remedy to these evils,
and doubtless God will require it at your hands, as his vicegerent.
Pr. I have not heard many soldiers discourse in this strain; but I like it well, and it becomes you; and I hope
God will assist me, if He shall call me to the government of this people, to acquit my duty to Him and to His
people for the restraining of these sins, which I acknowledge are too common among us.
Wh. In doing so, you will render service to God, and find His blessing to accompany such most pious, most
honourable, and truly royal endeavours; and I hope your Highness will not think amiss of this liberty 268
which your servant hath taken, to speak to you of these things.
261 May 18, 1654. 122

Pr. I am so far from thinking amiss of it or taking in ill part what you have said to me, that I do most heartily
thank you for it, and do promise that I shall be mindful to put in practice the good counsel you have given me,
as soon as it shall please God to give me an opportunity for it, and that the temper of this people will bear it;
being convinced of the duty which lies upon me herein, and the service and honour which will thereby be
done to God and to the people of this kingdom, both in respect to their temporal and eternal estate.
Wh. I am very glad to find your Royal Highness so sensible hereof, and shall humbly and earnestly leave it to
your thoughts.
Pr. I hope I shall not forget it.268
They had other discourse touching the princes and states of Christendom, particularly of the House of Austria,
and of the design of the Papists against the Protestants, the which, and the increase of the interest of Rome,
Whitelocke said could not be better prevented than by a conjunction of the Protestants; 269 to which the
Prince fully agreed. The Prince took his leave of Whitelocke with very great respect and civility.
After the Prince was gone, there came to Whitelocke Grave Eric Oxenstiern and Lagerfeldt, to take their
leaves of Whitelocke, they being to go to Stockholm by command of the Ricksdag; and Grave Eric gave unto
Whitelocke a paper, in French, of damage sustained by a Swedish ship taken and brought into London, which
he recommended to Whitelocke to be a means that satisfaction might be procured.
Whitelocke goes to a running at the ring. Whitelocke being informed that now at the Court, among other
solemnities and entertainments to welcome the Prince, the gallants used the exercise and recreation of running
at the ring, a pleasure noble and useful as to military affairs, improving horsemanship, and teaching the
guidance of the lance, a weapon still used by horsemen in these parts of the world; this generous exercise
having been in use in England in Whitelocke’s memory, who had seen the lords, in presence of the
King and Queen and a multitude of spectators, in the tilt-yards at Whitehall and at St. James’s House,
where the King, when he was Prince, used also that recreation: it made Whitelocke the more desirous to see
the same again, and whether, as 270 they used it here, it were the same with that he had seen in England. He
went incognito in the coach of General Douglas, without any of his train, to the place where the running at the
ring was. He would not go into the room where the Queen and Prince and great lords were, but sat below in a
room where the judges of the course were, with divers other gentlemen, who, though they knew Whitelocke
very well, yet seeing him cast his cloak over his shoulder, as desiring not to be known, they would take no
notice of him—a civility in these and other countries usual.
The Senator Vanderlin, Grave Tott, and the Baron Steinberg were the challengers to all the rest; and of the
other part were Marshal Wrangel, Grave Jacob de la Gardie, and nine or ten others. All were well mounted;
Wrangel upon an English horse, given him by Whitelocke. Their clothes, scarfs, feathers, and all
accoutrements, both of men and horse, were very gallant. They ran for a prize which the Queen had ordained,
and they comported themselves with much activeness and bravery; and it was the same exercise which
Whitelocke had formerly seen in his own country.
May 19, 1654.

The Sound Dues. Woolfeldt visited Whitelocke in the morning, and brought with him a paper concerning the
Sound, written in French with his own hand, wherein he showed much affection to the Protector and to
England, and as much distaste to his own country. The paper Whitelocke laid up, and transcribed in a larger
treatise.
May 19, 1654. 123

Effect of the Prince’s visit. Woolfeldt acquainted Whitelocke that the public 271 ministers in this
Court discoursed much of the extraordinary respect showed by the Prince to the English Ambassador, both in
his reception and the Prince’s visit to him. And particularly the Danish Ambassador was greatly
discontented, and said that never any ambassador had that honour done him before, and it was so far beyond
what he had received that he knew not how to bear it; that the entertainment of public ministers of the same
character ought to be with the same ceremony, and not one to be preferred so much as the English
Ambassador had been before others of equal quality with him, and much matter of complaint of that nature;
which being reported to the Prince, he said that neither the Danish Ambassador nor any other public minister
had cause to complain that he had not given them the respect due to their several qualities; and if he, out of a
particular affection to the English Protector and Ambassador, had a mind to express more than ordinary
particular respects to them, it was no wrong or cause of complaint to any other public minister, who had what
was due to him, because another had perhaps more than was due to him; and he said he understood not why
his condition should render him less capable than other gentlemen to show particular respects where they did
bear a particular affection.
General Douglas, a Scottish gentleman in great favour and honour in this country, came late this year to the
Court, being hindered by a violent ague upon his coming hither. He made frequent visits to Whitelocke, and
expressed much of respect and civility to him as his countryman.
Whitelocke dines with General Douglas. This day Whitelocke was to dine with Douglas by 272 a solemn
invitation; and during the whole time of his residence in this Court he never was invited to any of their tables,
but now to Douglas, and before to Grave Eric, notwithstanding the freedom of his table to most of them. With
Whitelocke were invited his two sons, Potley, Beake, and Croke. There they met Grave John Oxenstiern,
Wrangel, Wittenberg, Bundt, Horne, Vanderlin, Colonel Bannier, and one of the Prince’s servants. Of
these that thus met, nine had been in commission as generals, two of the English and of the Swedes seven,
which was noted as very observable. They sat at table in the same manner as they did at Grave Eric’s
entertainment, Whitelocke in the midst of the table, the company in their ranks on either side, and all the
dinner they sat bare.
The entertainment was very high and noble, as could be had in this place, and four courses very full, which
made a long dinner, in which time Whitelocke was solicited often to begin and pledge healths, which he
would not do, but left others to their liberty, as he desired his. The healths they drank among themselves were
in large beer-glasses of sack, which made them discourse the more freely; and most of it was of England and
the late troubles there, of particular passages of the war, of Scotland, of the fleet now at sea, and the Dutch
treaty; in all which Whitelocke gave them some satisfaction, as they did to him touching the Queen’s
resignation, the present Ricksdag, and the new King’s coronation.
Whitelocke receives a jewel from the Prince. The same gentleman who had been before from the Prince with
Whitelocke, a Baron of great account, first gentleman of the Prince’s bedchamber, a proper, well
accomplished person, came to Whitelocke by command 273 of the Prince, with remembrance of his
Highness’s hearty respects and affection to Whitelocke. After some compliments passed, the Baron
took out of his pocket a little box of crimson velvet, and told Whitelocke that his Royal Highness had
commanded him to present to Whitelocke that token of the Prince’s love and respects to him, and,
opening the box, showed to Whitelocke a noble jewel, a case of gold enamelled, the one side of it set thick all
over with diamonds, some of them fair ones, and on the other side was the Prince’s picture, lively and
well taken.
The Baron said to Whitelocke that the Prince desired his excuse because in so short a time he could not
procure a better present, but he desired Whitelocke to accept of this as a testimony of his affection to him.
Whitelocke answered, that he had not merited so much favour from his Royal Highness, but desired the Baron
to return his hearty thanks to the Prince, which he would also do himself when he had the honour to come in
May 19, 1654. 124

his presence.
Account of presents made by Whitelocke. Upon this occasion Whitelocke took account of the presents which
he had in this Court, besides the several and many gratuities and rewards which he had formerly bestowed on
many of the Queen’s inferior servants, as musicians, guards, pages, lacqueys, trumpets, coachmen,
wardrobe men, and others; to whom he had been liberal, to a considerable sum, necessary in his judgement to
be done for the honour of his nation, and agreeable to what had been constantly by ambassadors there before
him.
Besides these smaller matters, first he sent to the Queen eight black English horses, very handsome, large,
brave, and useful horses for the coach, and now 274 in good case; four saddle-horses he had formerly
presented to her, all of them were in this place worth to be sold £1000. The looking-glass which he gave the
Queen when she was his Valentine was worth £100, besides an English Bible richly bound, English stuffs, a
cabinet of spirits, and other smaller presents. The Queen’s officers gave no reward to
Whitelocke’s gentleman of his horse, the clerk of his stable, or to his coachman and people that carried
them, though it was presumed that the Queen had ordered it, as she had done upon other the like occasions.
To the Prince Whitelocke presented seven bay English horses, very handsome and serviceable for the coach;
for which the Prince returned many thanks, being most acceptable to him, as he expressed, and sent a chain of
gold of the value of two hundred ducats to Captain Crispe, yeoman of Whitelocke’s stables, and
twenty-five ducats to the servants of Whitelocke’s stable. To the Prince, Whitelocke also presented a
young English gelding of Fenwicke’s breed, very handsome and mettlesome; the more esteemed by
Whitelocke, and afterwards by the Prince, when he heard that it had been given to Whitelocke by his General.
To the old Chancellor Whitelocke presented a hogshead of good Canary wine, and a sober, handsome, strong,
well-paced English pad nag, and one of his richest saddles. To Wrangel he gave an English gelding; to Tott
another; to Wittenberg another; to Steinberg another; to Douglas another; and to such of the great men as the
Queen directed. To Lagerfeldt he gave a clock, excellently made, which he used to have constantly with him.
275 To Secretary Canterstein he sent his secretary Earle with a silver standish, curiously wrought; at sight of
which Canterstein seemed much discontented, till Earle showed him the manner of opening the standish, and
in it forty pieces of English gold, of jacobuses, which made the present very acceptable. In like manner
Whitelocke sent to the master of the ceremonies an English beaver hat, with a gold hatband, and a pair of rich
English gloves; at which the Master seemed offended, saying that ambassadors used to send better presents to
the master of ceremonies; but being desired to try if the gloves would fit him, he found therein forty
twenty-shilling pieces of English gold, and thereby much satisfaction in the present.
To Grave Eric’s lady Whitelocke presented a clock of the new make, to hang by the wall, set in ebony,
with rich studs of silver. To “la Belle Comtesse,” the Lady Jane Ruthven and other ladies, he
presented English gloves, ribbons, silk stockings, and the like, which are of great account with them.
All the presents given away by Whitelocke in this court were estimated above £3000, and the jewels and
copper bestowed on him were near the same value; so that none could accuse him to be a receiver of rewards,
or that he had enriched himself by this employment.
Whitelocke takes leave of the Prince and exhorts him. Whitelocke had desired this day another audience of the
Prince to take his leave; and towards the evening the master of the ceremonies came with two of the
Queen’s coaches and brought Whitelocke to the Prince’s lodging, who received him with the
like or greater respect than he had done before. They went directly together to the Prince’s cabinet,
where two 276 chairs were set. They discoursed about half an hour upon the same subjects as their last
discourse was; and now also Whitelocke earnestly advised the Prince to those things which would tend to the
May 19, 1654. 125

honour of God and to the reformation of disorders, drunkenness, swearing, and profanation of the
Lord’s Day, which Whitelocke told him God would require at his hands to see reformed when he
should be called to the government of this kingdom, with much to the like effect; esteeming it seasonable for
him to take this opportunity of pressing these things to the Prince, as he also did liberty of conscience, and
what he hoped was for promoting the interest of Christ in these countries. The Prince gave good ear to these
things, and seemed sensible of what was said to him; and by his answers gave hopes that when he should
come to the opportunity he would endeavour the reformation of those great reigning sins in his country,
whereof he professed his own detestation.
Whitelocke going to take his leave, the Prince desired him to stay longer, as pleased with the discourse on this
subject; but Whitelocke was desired by the master of the ceremonies not to continue longer with the Prince,
because the Queen staid within purposely for Whitelocke’s coming to her. At his parting the Prince
desired Whitelocke to testify his respects to the Protector and Commonwealth of England; and told
Whitelocke that he might assure himself of a most entire affection to his person from the Prince, who wished
him a happy return to his own country.
Visits the Queen, to take leave; From the Prince Whitelocke made a visit to the Queen. Grave Tott conducted
him to her bedchamber, where they discoursed about half an hour touching 277 her Majesty’s affairs.
She again mentioned her purpose of going to the Spa, and to go thither by land; she desired Whitelocke not to
speak much of it; she said that perhaps she might yet see him at Stockholm, but, if she did not, that she would
write a letter to the Protector, and send it thither to Whitelocke, upon the subject of which they had formerly
spoken.
Whitelocke advised her, as he had done before, and promised to take care of her letter to the Protector, and to
improve his interest the best he could for effecting what her Majesty desired, in case there should be occasion
for it. She thanked Whitelocke for his advice, wherewith she seemed to be pleased, and resolved to observe it;
and expressed very great respect and affection to the Protector and to Whitelocke, whom she desired to assure
the Protector in her Majesty’s name of the sincere affection and honour which she did bear him, and
which she should continue, in whatsoever condition she should be. She wished Whitelocke a happy voyage,
and with many compliments, full of great respect and civility, but not so cheerful as formerly; she twice gave
him her hand to kiss, and so took leave of him.
and the Chancellor. From the Court Whitelocke went and visited the Chancellor, and delivered to him (what
he had before promised and was put in mind to do) an engagement under his hand to procure a supply of the
defect of power, which they excepted to in his commission. The engagement was thus:—
“Polliceor plenam me mihi potentiam ac facultatem procuraturum à sua Serenissima Celsitudine

Domino meo, Domino Protectore Reipublicæ Angliæ, Scotiæ, et Hiberniæ, 278 intra trimestre spatium, ab
appulsu meo in quemlibet portum Angliæ, ad supplendum qualemcunque defectum facultatis ac potentiæ mihi
antehac datæ, ad tractandum cum Serenissima Majestate sua Regina Sueciæ aut commissariis suis, et ad rata
habenda omnia, quæ inter Majestatem suam vel suos commissarios et me conclusa fuerint. Datum Upsaliæ
18o Maii, anno Domini 1654.
“Bulstrode Whitelocke.“
The Chancellor and Whitelocke fell into discourse touching their Ricksdag; part whereof follows.
The Swedish Diet and Constitution. Whitelocke. I received much satisfaction in the favour of being admitted
to see the manner of the meeting and proceedings of your Ricksdag, and shall be glad to be instructed by you
touching some of the passages of it.
May 19, 1654. 126

Chancellor. I shall be ready to inform you the best I can in these matters, and I have had some experience in
them.
Wh. In that and all other matters touching the government of this kingdom, I believe no man’s
experience or judgement will be opposed to yours. I pray, Father, let me know the ground of proposals being
made by the Queen to the Ricksdag, and whether it be as I have heard, that they consult of nothing but what is
first proposed to them by the Queen.
Chan. That is very true, and is the ground of our quiet and of avoiding factions among us; for where a Council
consists of seven or eight hundred men, as our Ricksdag doth, and they hold themselves to have an equal
liberty and power, and are most of them active spirits; if every one amongst them might move and propound
what he pleased according to his own fancy, there would never be an end of proposals and debates, 279 and
they would break out into several factions and the greater affairs of the kingdom be retarded, and many times
thrust out to make way for lesser matters for the most part but of private interest. Therefore the wisdom of our
Government hath so ordered it that nothing is to be consulted upon or debated by the Ricksdag, but what is
first proposed to them in writing by the King, who hath the advice of the Senators therein; and such matters as
are by them judged necessary for the good of the kingdom are by the King proposed to the Ricksdag for their
counsel in them.
Wh. This may be a good way to preserve your quiet; but may it not be ill for the rights and liberty of the
people? As to instance in particular, if it be requisite that a new law be made relating to the people’s
liberty, wherein the former laws may be defective, by this course it rests only in the power of the King and
Senate whether this matter shall ever come to consideration or not; for, unless they will propound it, no
consideration can be had of it; and though it may be necessary as to the people’s rights, yet then
probably it may be against the King’s power, and in that case the King will never propose it to the
Ricksdag, because it makes against his power and prerogative; and so the people are by this course debarred
of the means of supplying any defect as to their rights and liberties, unless the King, to lessen his own power,
will first propose it to them.
Chan. This were an inconvenience if the people’s rights and liberties were not already settled; but, by
our laws, the boundaries of the King’s power and of the people’s rights are sufficiently known
and established, as the King can make no law nor alter or repeal 280 any, nor impose any tax, nor compel men
to go out of the kingdom without the assent of the Ricksdag; and in that Council, which is supreme in this
kingdom, every man’s vote and assent is included by the deputies of the Clergy, Boroughs, and Boors,
which are respectively elected, and by the chiefs of the Nobility; so that all sorts of people have their share,
either in person or by their deputies, in the Supreme Council of the kingdom, by whom only those great
matters can be done; and this being certain and settled, any alteration in those points tends but to further
uncertainty and mischief. And if debates might be had of additions to the King’s power, or to the
people’s liberty, it would but occasion attempts of encroaching of one upon the other, and bring
trouble and uncertainty to both; whereas they being already clearly defined and known, and that there is no
means of altering either of them, both the King and people are content with what they have, and endeavour
nothing of disquiet unto either.
Wh. But this further debars the people from having any new law at all made, except such only as the King
shall think fit, for he only can propose them; and it is a necessary thing to supply defects in laws and to make
new ones, according as times and circumstances varying shall minister occasion.
Chan. There is nothing more prejudicial to any government than multitude of laws, which is prevented by this
course of ours; nor is there any necessity of new laws where both the public rights and private men’s
property are provided for by the laws in being, which in all nations is from the original of their civil settlement
taken care of. And though time and variety 281 of accidents may occasion some defects in old laws, yet it is
May 19, 1654. 127

better they should be borne with than an inundation of new laws to be let in, which causeth uncertainty,
ignorance, different expositions, and repugnances in the laws, and are the parents of contention.
Wh. But I suppose your Ricksdag hath liberty to complain of maladministration and corruption in officers and
judges, and to punish them and cause redress of grievances; else the people are remediless against those public
crimes, without the grace and favour of the Prince to do it of himself, which every Prince in all times will not
do.
Chan. The Ricksdag may complain to the King of any offence or misdemeanour committed by any great
officer, and of any public grievance to the people; whereupon the King and Senate are very ready (as it
behoves them in justice and prudence) to give a remedy, which they are the more induced to do, because
otherwise the people’s Deputies, who have the power of the purse, may be the more backward to
supply the King’s occasions with money or men; and this is a good tie upon the Court, to procure
justice and redress of grievances.
Wh. Your laws are founded upon great reason and prudence, and in these and most other main parts and
particulars of them, ours are the same in England; but a liberty of proposing anything in our Parliament
belongs to every member of it.
Chan. That hath been a great occasion of all your troubles.
Wh. I expected to have heard my father, the Ricks-Chancellor, to have made an harangue in the Ricksdag, 282
to have acquainted them, as it is with us, with the causes of their meeting.
Chan. I confess it belongs to my place to have done it; but, by reason of an oath I had taken to my king, to
endeavour to keep the crown on his daughter’s head, and this assembly was called that she might
resign it; therefore I desired to be excused from making that proposal.
Wh. Indeed her Majesty spake herself with an excellent grace and spirit, which was a wonder to see it done by
a young lady to so great and grave an assembly; and the matter of her speech, as it was interpreted to me, was
pertinent and full of weight.
Chan. Indeed she spake very well and materially, and like a prince.
Wh. I am sorry my time calls me away from further enjoyment of my father’s excellent conversation.
Chan. I shall be glad if my noble son would afford me more of his company, in which I take so much
contentment.
Wh. My journey tomorrow hastens me away, and occasions your less trouble.
Chan. I pray assure the Protector of the respect and high value I have for him, and of my devoted mind to
serve him in anything within my power in this kingdom.
Wh. You have been pleased largely to testify this in my transactions, and your noble favours and respects to
your son.
Chan. You may be confident of my affection and love to you; and I desire you to be a friend to my
countrymen in England, and to take upon you their patronage in all just causes.
May 19, 1654. 128

283 Wh. I shall be ready upon all occasions to perform all good offices to your Excellence and to your family,
and to all of this nation; and shall satisfy the Protector of your affections for him, and of your kindness to his
servant.
Chan. I am now an old man, and whilst I continue alive I shall do all that lies in my power to serve the
Protector and the Commonwealth of England, and shall embrace your Excellence with a special bond of
friendship, and will leave it in charge to my sons, when I am dead, to do the same.
Wh. I shall also enjoin my children to continue that obligation of friendship which I have contracted with your
Excellence and your family.
Chan. I shall but add this further, to pray to God that of His mercy He would vouchsafe to you a prosperous
return to your own country, and that you may find there all your family and friends in a comfortable and
happy condition.
Takes leave of Oxenstiern. Thus the Chancellor and Whitelocke took leave of one another with as much
kindness and respect as could be expressed.283
Whitelocke being returned to his house, Grave John Oxenstiern came to visit him; and having heard that
Whitelocke took it ill that he had put off a visit desired by Whitelocke to this high Grave, yet now he was
pleased to descend to excuse it to Whitelocke, because his lodging was strait and inconvenient, not fit to
receive a person of Whitelocke’s quality, and his lady was at that time very much indisposed in health.
The Senator Benk Schütt came in the evening to visit Whitelocke, and discoursed freely with him touching
284 the Queen’s resignation and their new King, and did not testify much of respect to the Chancellor
by informing Whitelocke that yesterday, at the castle, there was a great rub, as he called it, given by the Queen
to the Chancellor before the Prince and the rest of the Senators; the occasion whereof was about the island of
Elsey, which the Queen desired as part of her provision, to which the Chancellor said, that it was worthy the
consideration; the Queen replied, “What! is my integrity then questioned?” The Chancellor
answered, that he did not question her Majesty’s integrity, but spake only for her security and better
satisfaction in what she desired. The Queen said, “I understand Swedish well enough, and it was not
becoming you to question my integrity at all.” Schütt said, that at this passage the rest of the senators
were pleased, and that the Prince seemed in this, and all other occasions, to be of the Queen’s mind,
and to grant her more rather than less of what she desired, which was wisdom in him.
Senator Vanderlin visited Whitelocke, and, among other discourses, acquainted him the passages of the
proposal for the Queen to have married the Prince; that for this purpose the Prince was sent for out of
Germany, and the Queen seemed inclinable to the match; yet, after the Prince was come, she used him with a
strangeness which was occasioned by the whisperings of Grave Magnus de la Gardie to the Queen, that when
the Prince was in Germany he was too familiar with some ladies; at which information, he said, the Queen
was so enraged that the Prince should go to other women, that she thereupon resolved not to marry him, but
was otherwise very courteous and 285 full of respect to him. Whitelocke did not dispute the authenticness of
this relation, but wondered at it from a senator, touching him who was to be a king, and to use so much
freedom on such a subject to a stranger.
General Douglas, the Ricks-Admiral, and Senator Bielke, also visited Whitelocke this evening while
Vanderlin was with him; they discoursed of the discontent which the Dutch Resident expressed before his
going away, because more respect was shown to Whitelocke by the Queen and Prince, and by the Senators
and great men here, than they had shown to the Dutch Resident, who said he was a public minister as well as
the English Ambassador. Whitelocke said it was true, as the Dutch Resident had remembered, that he was a
public minister; and it might be supposed, that being so, he should understand the difference between a
May 19, 1654. 129

Resident and an Ambassador Extraordinary; and also between the Commonwealth of the United Provinces of
the Netherlands, and that of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Swedish Lords replied, that if the Dutch
Resident did not understand it, nor himself, that yet it was sufficiently known in this place, and that the
Resident was but laughed at for his exceptions, as being without cause, and showing his want of experience in
matters of this nature.
After the Ricks-Admiral and Bielke were gone, Vanderlin and Douglas staid with Whitelocke and used great
freedom of discourse with him, expressing extraordinary respect to the Protector and Commonwealth of
England, and very much affection and kindness to Whitelocke, in whom they expressed great 286 confidence.
They staid with him till past twelve o’clock at night, inconvenient in respect of his intended journey
the next day; but their company was very pleasing, and they took leave with great civility and kindness from
each to other of them.
May 20, 1654.

Whitelocke commences his journey back to England. Whitelocke began his longed-for journey of return to
England. He had taken his leave of the Queen, Prince, Senators, and all his friends in Upsal. His business,
through the goodness of God, was successfully despatched; himself and all his people in good health, and
exceeding joyful to be on their journey homewards. He left not a penny of debt to any in this country, nor any
unrewarded who had done him service; for his hospitality, wherein no ambassador in this Court ever exceeded
him, for his conversation and dealing with all sorts of people, he had gained their love, and left no ill name
behind him. The greatest part of his baggage, and most of his inferior servants, were on board a great hoy of
the Queen’s, to go by water to Stockholm; he and the rest of his people went by land, in order to
which, upon his desire, the Hof-Stallmaster, by the Queen’s command, had sent yesterday six
coach-horses to be ready in the midway from Upsal to Stockholm, and this morning he sent six other horses
with Whitelocke’s blue coach to his lodging, to carry him the first half way of this day’s
journey, driven by the Queen’s coachman.
Berkman had provided a sufficient number of saddle-horses, if they might be so called, he having forgot to
cause saddles to be brought with them for 287 Whitelocke’s people, so that most of them were forced
to make shift with straw and cushions instead of saddles; and many of the bits and stirrups were such as they
had been acquainted with in their journey from Gothenburg hither; and thus they rode the two first stages.
Whitelocke took coach between seven and eight o’clock in the morning, Sir George Fleetwood, Potley,
Ingelo, and Andrews, in his coach with him; the rest on horseback; they came about noon to the place where
fresh horses staid for them, and did not tarry long there, wanting good entertainment, but, taking fresh horses
both for coach and saddle, they proceeded in their journey. The country through which they passed was better
than that near the sea, less rocky and more fruitful, not so replenished with seats of the nobility further off, as
nearer to Stockholm. By the way they met General Axy Lyllye, a Senator of Sweden, newly returned out of
Germany, and another Senator with him; they alighted out of their coach when Whitelocke came near them,
who, seeing that, did alight also. The General had lost one of his legs in the German wars, and now carried
one of wood; he and his companion were very civil in their salutation and discourse with Whitelocke, and
after compliments, and inquiry by Whitelocke of the German news, they took leave and parted.
Whitelocke and his company arrived between five and six o’clock in the evening at Stockholm, the
journey being seven Swedish leagues, about forty English miles. As he came in the suburbs, he saw a sad
sight of many houses lately burnt down, and some pulled down to prevent the further raging of the fire, 288
which had consumed many scores of houses in that place; and it brought to Whitelocke’s
remembrance, that one evening at Upsal, in his chamber window, he saw a great fire in a dorf about half a
league from the town, which he observed, almost in a moment, to flash from one end of the dorf to the other,
May 20, 1654. 130

consuming all in its way,—and thus it was said to have been in these suburbs. The reason thereof is the
combustible matter whereof their houses are built, being of fir timber and boards, which, especially being old,
do suddenly take fire, and violently burn, hard to be quenched, few houses escaping, especially in the dorfs,
where one is on fire; which causeth more than ordinary care in the inhabitants of all places to prevent that
fearful danger.
Berkman conducted Whitelocke to a lodging in the suburbs, over-against the castle, which was used for an
inn. This being post-night, Whitelocke made up his despatches for England, which he had prepared at Upsal,
where he wrote his letters, but dated them from Stockholm, that his friends in England might thereby perceive
that he was in his journey homewards, which he knew would be no small contentment to them.
May 21, 1654.

Stockholm. Being the Lord’s Day, divers Scotch merchants, inhabitants of this city, and some English,
came to Whitelocke’s lodging to hear the sermon in the morning, and many of them did him the
honour to dine with him; he had conference with them, and good advice from them, about his voyage to
England and other matters. Lagerfeldt came also to salute Whitelocke, 289 and to know what service he had
for him, before his going from hence this evening. Whitelocke desired him to speak to the master of the
customs, touching the shipping of his copper and other goods, custom free; and Whitelocke prayed Lagerfeldt
also to speak to Vice-Admiral Wrangel, that the ship appointed for his transportation (which was now in the
road in view of Whitelocke’s lodging) might, with as much speed as could be, fall down to the Dollars;
which he promised to do.
Wrangel sent to invite Whitelocke to go this afternoon to see the ships, but Whitelocke excused it by reason of
the day, and sent word that tomorrow, if he pleased, he would wait upon him; and desired his advice touching
his voyage. In the evening Lagerfeldt came again to Whitelocke, to give him an account what he had done by
his appointment, and told Whitelocke that he should have all contentment. With Lagerfeldt came Monsieur de
Geeres to visit Whitelocke, who gave him thanks for a vessel of claret wine which De Geeres had sent to
Whitelocke, who said he hoped he should not stay long enough to drink it out in this place.
At Upsal Whitelocke was carried to see the Queen’s garden, which scarce deserved that name, being
only a piece of ground of about four or five acres, paled in according to the manner of their paling, and had in
it a few hedges which, in the latter end of May, upon the thaw, began to appear a little green; but for flowers
or fruit-trees there were none, except a few ordinary tulips. This put Whitelocke in mind to inquire if the
Queen had a better garden here at Stockholm, where her residence usually was. The Swedes 290 excused the
meanness of the garden at Upsal because the Court was seldom there, The Queen’s garden at
Stockholm. but here they commended the garden, and offered Whitelocke the favour to see it. He went about
seven o’clock this evening to view it, and to walk in the Queen’s garden here. It was near unto
his lodging, but at a distance from the castle; it is about six or seven acres of ground, encompassed with a
pale, on which they bestow timber enough in the posts and rails, and the pales are not set upright one by
another, but crosswise one upon another, between two great posts, with rivets for the pales to be put into, and
so to fall down one upon the other; and the pales are two inches thick or more, made of fir timber, and the
posts and rails of oak.
This garden was distinguished into walks not well kept nor gravelled, but most of them green; few flowers
were to be seen there, though more than at Upsal, and most of these were tulips not extraordinary. The sides
of the walks were set with elm-trees and the like, but no fruit-trees were there, nor are they common in this
cold country, only, as they informed Whitelocke, in some places they have a few trees of plums, and small
cherries, and of apples; but he saw none in regard of the season, nor do many persons in these parts delight in
gardens or in planting fruits or flowers, this climate not encouraging thereunto; yet here were great boxes of
May 21, 1654. 131

wood with orange-trees, citron-trees, and myrtle-trees, very young, planted in them; how they thrived was not
much visible.
At Whitelocke’s lodging some of his people made the greater fires to air the rooms, because the plague
had been lately in this city, and in that house the chimneys, it seems, being foul, and full of soot, were 291 the
sooner set on fire; and when Whitelocke came from walking in the garden he found his lodging on fire. It was
a stack of chimneys which took fire; a multitude of people were ready about the house to help to quench the
fire, and the officers of the city were there to order the people. Whitelocke was surprised with this unexpected
accident and danger, amongst such houses; but after an hour’s flame, the soot being spent and burnt,
the fire went out of itself; and it was a mercy that the wind set to carry the flame towards a house which was
tiled, whereas, if it had set the other way, it had carried the flame upon houses all built and covered with
wood, to the extreme danger of Whitelocke’s lodging and the whole city.
May 22, 1654.

The harbour of Stockholm and Swedish fleet. In the morning Berkman conducted Whitelocke to the haven,
where lay many boats and vessels great and small, and much iron upon the quay, which is convenient, but not
much stored. They passed by many fair houses belonging to the great Lords.
In the afternoon Wrangel came to Whitelocke, and conducted him to see the Queen’s ships, which lie
round about an island called by them the Holm, into which island none are permitted to enter without special
license. This is a good harbour for the ships there to anchor safely. There lay about fifty ships of war, some of
them carrying eighty pieces of cannon, some sixty, some fifty, some forty, some thirty, and all of them well
fitted and useful, strongly built, but not so nimble and serviceable for fight as our English frigates. Wrangel
was now in his element, and discoursed much 292 with Whitelocke about the make and force and goodness of
these ships, their force and brass cannon, which were commended by Whitelocke, who showed the difference
in the make between these ships and the English frigates; that these, for strength to endure an assault and
make defence, were very good, but that the English frigates had much advantage in their nimble tacking
about, their fleet sailing to fetch up another ship, and the lying of their guns for use of fighting; with which
discourse Wrangel seemed much pleased, and he preferred their brass cannon before those of iron, which
Whitelocke assented unto as not so soon hot with firing, nor so apt to break and splinter, and do harm to their
own men as the iron ordnance are.
Within this island is the office of the Admiralty, in a fair brick house built for that purpose; in another
building there are the forges for all the iron-work belonging to the ships; there also are the timber yards, well
stored, and places for the workmen and ship-carpenters. They were shown there likewise the magazine of
powder, bullet, match, grenadoes, with other fire instruments; also the bake-houses, where they make
provision of biscuit for the ships; it is a great room paved with stone, wherein are three ovens for baking, and
a large cellar in which they store the biscuit. There be also stores for pork, peas, and other ship provisions, all
in very good order, and carefully looked unto.
Whitelocke went on board divers of the ships, taking notice of their strength and furniture, and among them he
went on board several great ships which Wrangel had taken in fight from the King of Denmark, which at
present were not serviceable; but his 293 commendation of that action, and of these ships of war lying here,
was due to them, and not unpleasing to those who showed them to him. They returned by boat, making the
tour of the island; and as they passed by the ships of war, they all saluted Whitelocke with two guns apiece,
which number they do not exceed. As they passed along, Whitelocke was desired to go on board the
‘Hercules,’ a great and good ship lying there, which carried eighty pieces of ordnance, all brass;
and being brought into the captain’s cabin, he found there the table covered, and a banquet set upon it
of sweetmeats of divers sorts, with which, and with plenty of excellent Rhenish wine, they did with great
May 22, 1654. 132

respect and civility entertain Whitelocke and his company. From thence they brought him to his lodging,
weary enough with his voyage and the extreme heat of the weather.
Position of Stockholm. The island which Whitelocke viewed this day, and many other greater and smaller
islands, upon which are buildings, do make up this city, which by some is resembled for the situation of it
unto the city of Venice, which stands as this doth, upon several islands in the sea. The waters are great and
deep about this city, which is compassed with mountains, except only where they give way to the passage of
the waters. The town, in the prospect of it, seems to be as in the midst of the circuit of the mountains, and as it
were composed of divers pieces, each of them apart making a good town, and so appear as several villages
separated by the many arms of water, or by the Lake Mälaren, which come hither to meet one another, and
make the large and deep water; and it seems to be the diameter of the mountains, and now all plain, by
carrying away 294 the earth of a hill within it, and the stones therewith filling up ditches and uneven grounds,
and serving for foundations for their buildings, and to make their streets even and handsome; so that now it is
all level, as if no hill had ever been. One of their authors saith that it is “loco et situ commodissimo,
inter eximium dulcem lacum Mæler ipsumque Balticum mare in insula fundatum.”
The inhabitants (who should best know it) affirm that the situation of this town is very healthful, and that
notwithstanding the vast quantity of waters that do surround it, yet they are not troubled with agues, or other
diseases, so much as other parts of the country. It is too, in the view of it, pleasant and noble for the situation;
and the grounds about it are dry and wholesome, yet fruitful. The streets are some of them large, others more
narrow; most of them are straight, the houses being equally advanced and set together. In the heart of the city
they are for the most part built of stone or brick, making the fairer show by their height of four or five stories.
From the North Holm or suburbs to the east is a bridge of wood, very long; from the island where the ships lie
they pass another bridge to another island, both small ones, and at the mouth of the harbour for the ships of
war, extending about half a league, between which and the continent are the waters of the lake and of the
rivers which pass through the town from the west; from the north to the east is a park of deer, pleasant with
trees and shade, contributing to the delight and health of the inhabitants; and, taken altogether, from the
prospect of the mountains upon the churches, castle, houses, waters, and ships, the town appears noble and
beautiful.
295 Legend of Stockholm. Whitelocke having been at the island where the ships lie, and observed it to be
called the Holm, and other islands to have the same name of Holm, and Holm to be the same which we call an
island, and this city named Stockholm, caused his inquiry of the original of this name of Stockholm; he was
informed, in a kind of pleasant story, which is not without some probability, and the earnest affirmations of
the inhabitants, who from tradition may be supposed best to know it, that the original of the name Stockholm
was thus:—That there was a certain great and rich town called Bieurkoo, situate upon the lake between
Upsal and this place, whereof some ruins are yet to be seen. The number of the people in that town increasing
so much that the inhabitants could not be therein contained, they held a council what was fit to be done; they
also consulted their idol gods, to whom they offered sacrifices and prayers for their direction. The issue was
this: they came to a resolution that part of their people should go forth from them, as a colony, to seek for a
new habitation, as is usual in these northern countries; that they should find out a place, and build them a new
city to dwell in; and how to find out and agree upon this place was thus determined: they took a great block or
piece of wood, to which they fastened some gold, and set the block a-swimming in the water, and agreed that
there they would build the new town where their gods (to whom they had committed this affair) should cause
the block to stay; this block floated, and, descending down the lake, at length staid at a little island about the
midst of this city.
Such an island here (as in our north parts) is called 296 Holm, and such a great block or piece of wood is by
them (as with us) called a stock; and because this stock staid at this Holm, therefore here they built their city,
and called it Stockholm; which, by degrees, and adding one holm or island to another, became of its present
greatness.
May 22, 1654. 133

May 23, 1654.

The Magistrates of Stockholm address Whitelocke. Berkman brought to Whitelocke’s lodging this
morning two of the magistrates of this city, deputed by their body, and in their name, to salute Whitelocke and
bid him welcome to this place. One of them made a speech to Whitelocke, which was interpreted out of the
Swedish by Berkman into French, to this effect:—
“My Lord Ambassador,
“The Senate of this city have deputed us in their name to salute your Excellence, and to bid you
welcome to this place, where the magistrates and citizens are desirous to embrace any occasion presented to
them, whereby they may testify the great respect and honour which they bear to his most Serene Highness the
Lord Protector, and to the Commonwealth of England.
“They are likewise very glad of the occasion given them to express their joy for the happy alliance and
friendship concluded between this kingdom and the Commonwealth of England, which we hope will be to the
advantage and good of both nations, and of the Protestant interest, which is heartily wished by us. We look
upon it as a very great comfort and blessing to this city, that after the misery in which we have lately been,
when it pleased God to visit us with the pestilence, that the same is now so well and fully removed through
Divine mercy, that we have the happiness to see a person of your condition vouchsafe his presence with us.
“Whilst the occasions of your Excellence shall stay you 297 here, we most freely offer our services for
your accommodation with whatsoever this place will afford, which your Excellence may command; and as a
small testimony of the respects of our superiors, they have caused us to present a vessel of wine unto your
Excellence, whereof they entreat your favourable acceptance.”
Whitelocke presently answered them in English, which Berkman interpreted to them in Swedish, to this
effect:—
“Gentlemen,
“I rejoice with you in the mercy and goodness of God to this city, who hath caused to cease that
contagious disease which lately raged among you, so that your friends (of which number I take the honour to
reckon myself) may freely and safely resort to you, and converse with you as formerly. I have also some share
in your joy for the friendship and alliance contracted between my Lord the Protector of the Commonwealth of
England, and the Queen and kingdom of Sweden; wherein I doubt not but, through the blessing of God, both
nations and the whole Protestant interest will have cause to rejoice likewise: and as my poor endeavours have
not been wanting, so my hearty prayers to God shall be put up that it may come to this issue; and I shall pray
for the continuance of health and prosperity to this noble city.
“I return you many thanks for your respects to my Lord the Protector and the Commonwealth whom I
serve, whereof I shall not fail (when it shall please God to give me a return to my own country) to acquaint
them, and to do all offices of respect in my power for your city; and I desire my thanks may be presented to
your honourable Senate for their particular favour to me, and for their salutation, which I receive with all
gratitude.”
Whilst the citizens were with Whitelocke, Wrangel, Vice-Admiral Thysen, Vice-Admiral Clerke, Sinclair,
298 captain of the ‘Amarantha,’ and others, came and did Whitelocke the honour to dine with
him, and in the afternoon carried him to see the cannon which the Swedes had taken from their enemies, now
laid up in a magazine for themselves; there were of them brass cannon 1100; among them were two pieces
May 23, 1654. 134

taken from the Muscovites, each of them weighing 18,000 lbs. weight, and carrying a bullet of 96 lbs. weight,
as much more as the greatest whole cannon carries. There was also a basilisk of nineteen feet in length, very
extraordinary, and a great mortar-piece of brass of a fathom and three fingers in diameter at the mouth of it;
with many other pieces of brass ordnance taken from the Poles in their wars with them, which were now but
of little use; nor were those huge pieces capable to be drawn into the field for any service there.
May 24, 1654.

Monuments and public buildings of Stockholm. Whitelocke walked abroad, to see the great church where the
late King Gustavus Adolphus lies interred; but as yet there is no monument erected to his memory, nor are
there others of magnificence or much antiquity in this or in the other great church, but store of images and
crucifixes in all their churches; their building is of brick, and all their churches are covered with copper.
Whitelocke went to Wrangel’s lodging to requite his visits, but found him not at home, not having sent
beforehand to him. He fetched a little turn in the city, and they showed him a new building for the Ricksdag,
which they call the Ruder-house, that is, the house of the Knights; it is a fair building, and 299 the name of it
remembers somewhat of the knights of our Parliament.
In this walk, Whitelocke viewed in the fair street near his lodging the monument set up to the honour of
Queen Christina at her coronation, which is beautiful to the view. It is a triumphant arch, of the height of the
highest houses, raised upon three arches, which give three passages; those on each side the more strait and
low, the middle arch of twice the height and wideness of the other two. The frontispiece unto the tops of the
arches is adorned with pillars of a fair work, between which, in the front of the building, are figured the wars,
battles, and victories of Gustavus the Great: above the pillars are divers images, and above the middle of the
porch is a large tablet, containing in letters of gold the original of Christina, her virtues, and the occasion of
this monument. The whole building seems fair and stately, and as of stone, but in truth is only wood plastered
over; rather a show, to please for a few years, than lasting. He also viewed many houses of stone and brick,
some whereof were very fair and adorned with towers and figures, as those of Grave Magnus de la Gardie,
Grave Gustavus Horne, General Bannier, and others, and many of them beautifully covered with copper.
In the afternoon Wrangel conducted Whitelocke to see the castle, which is also covered with copper; and that
having lain there long, some Dutchmen are reported to have offered to give £10,000 for the copper, and to
cover the castle again with new copper; the reason whereof they hold to be, because the copper which hath
lain there so long with the sun upon it, is 300 so refined thereby, and would yield so much gold, that it will
yield what the Dutchmen bid for it and more, besides the charge of new covering it with copper as before.
This castle is the principal house in this principal city, belonging to the crown of Sweden; it is a large castle,
more for conveniency of a Court than for stateliness of structure. It is almost four-square, one way longer than
the other, all of brick, plastered over to make it seem as if it were of freestone, whereof there is not much in
these parts fit for building; the entry into the castle is upon the north quarter; the south and east side is of fair
building, four stories high, the windows not large. On the west of the quadrangle is the chapel, about a
hundred and thirty feet in length, with the breadth proportionable; it is divided into three arches, upon two
ranges of pillars of marble of this country, of divers colours, most in red streaks, handsome and polished. On
the windows and walls are several pictures and images, after the manner of the Lutheran churches. The rooms
in the castle are many, some of them large enough for the state of a Court, and most of those are two stories
high, after the use of this country. The situation of the castle is pleasant and noble, by the side of the great
water, upon which part of it is built, and the other part upon the island where it stands; and though of itself it
be not of great strength, yet the situation, prospect of the waters, ships, vessels, islands, and buildings, on the
one side, and of the country to the mountains on the other side, give it the repute of a princely palace.
May 24, 1654. 135

In the castle Whitelocke was carried up to a room, a magazine, where were a very great number of muskets,
301 pikes, swords, and other foot arms, excellent good, made in this country, of their own iron and steel, and
kept exceeding clean, bright, and well fixed, and were said to be sufficient to arm ten thousand men
completely. On the other side of the court they brought him to another room, where was a magazine of
horse-arms, cuirassiers, with pistols, bright, well kept, and of an excellent make; there were also more
foot-arms: in all, in this magazine, two thousand horse-arms, and five thousand foot-arms; and in the other
magazine, ten thousand foot-arms. There were likewise colours, ensigns, and standards, taken from their
enemies, to the number of about eight hundred; among them one taken by King Gustavus in person, and
another, which Wrangel showed, that he had taken from the Duke of Saxony.
This city is doubtless as well provided of arms and all sorts of ammunition for war as any place in these parts
of Europe, here being, besides the Queen’s stores in the public Arsenal, arms sufficient for fifty
thousand men.
Here also they showed to Whitelocke the lance of the quintain, and, according to their description of it and its
use, it seems to be the same with the exercise and recreation used anciently in England, and yet retained in
some counties at their marriages, which they likewise call the running at the quintain. In a great hall they
showed to Whitelocke the skin, stuffed out and standing in the full proportion, of the horse which the late
King Gustavus rode when he was slain; also his bloody shirt which he then wore, which is carefully preserved
in a chest; where they also keep the jewel which King Gustavus wore at his coronation, 302 and many rich
swords, battle-axes, and other spoils taken from their enemies.
May 25, 1654.

The launch of the ‘Falcon.’ Wrangel came to Whitelocke, and invited him to see the launching
of one of their ships newly built for a man-of-war; and Whitelocke was the more curious to see the manner of
it, and how they could do it, in regard they have no docks, nor ebbing and flowing of the water, which here is
constantly even, and affords no advantage by flowing tides for the launching of their ships.
When Whitelocke came to the holm where the ship was to be launched, he found her with the keel set upon
great planks of timber, the ship tied upright with cables, as if she were swimming; the planks upon which she
stood lay shelving towards the water, and were all thick daubed with grease all along from the poop of the
ship, and under her keel, to the water’s side, which was within the ship’s length of her head,
and there the water was very deep. One strong cable held the ship from moving; and she lying thus shelving
upon the planks, the cable which held her from sliding down was cut, and then the weight of the ship upon the
sloping greased planks carried her with great violence down upon the planks into the sea, near a slight shoot,
by force of the weight and swing wherewith she fell down. In the sea were boats ready, which came to her,
and put men aboard her; and as she went off, a great shout of a multitude of people, standing by as spectators,
was sent after her.
303 Wrangel, as an honour and compliment to Whitelocke, desired him to give the name to this ship.
Whitelocke would have called her the ‘Wrangel,’ but the master of that name entreated it might
not be so, possibly to avoid the envy of it at Court; but he desired it might be called the
’Whitelocke,’ which Whitelocke thought not expedient, lest it might argue too much height in
himself; nor would he call her ‘Cromwell,’ or the ’Protector,’ because she
carried but thirty guns; but seeing the mark of her guns to be the falcon, and asking whether they had any
other ship of that name, they said, No; whereupon, the falcon being Whitelocke’s coat of arms and the
mark of the ship’s guns, and she being built swifter of sail than ordinary, Whitelocke gave her the
name of the ‘Falcon.’ This pleased Wrangel very much, and the seamen and workmen were
most pleased with the gratuity which Whitelocke bestowed on them; and this ceremony and compliments
May 25, 1654. 136

being passed, Whitelocke gave many thanks to Wrangel for this honour, and so they parted.
The packet from England was brought to Whitelocke. Thurloe wrote thus:—
“I have acquainted his Highness with your Excellence’s letters received yesterday, wherein he
takes little content, more than that he did on his part sincerely intend a peace and union with that Crown and
Kingdom, and committed the management of it to a person who hath performed his trust with honour,
wisdom, and fidelity. We hope that your instructions, giving you liberty to return, are by this time arrived,
etc.”
By this packet Whitelocke also received letters from his wife, full of affection and piety, and from 304
Colonel Bulstrode, his brother Wilson, Mr. Attorney Hall, Mr. Cokaine, Mr. Eltonhead, especially from his
great friend Dr. Winston; and all of these letters, and several others which he received, were so many
testimonies of the affection and hearty kindness of these his worthy friends.
May 26, 1654.

After Whitelocke had walked a tour in the Norden Mallum,—that is, the north suburbs of this
city,—Sir George Fleetwood came to him, with whom he had much conversation in the latter time of
his being in Sweden, both at Upsal and in this town, who showed much kindness and respect to Whitelocke.
He informed Whitelocke that by letters from Upsal he understood that the Ricksdag had given leave to the
Queen to go to Colmar, which signified that she could not go without their leave, and that she would find
much difference between commanding as a Queen and obeying as a subject, and that, by the law of this
kingdom, no Queen can depart out of it without leave of the Ricksdag, on forfeiture of all her estate.
Whitelocke’s shipment of copper sent to London. A ship called the ‘Swart Hundt’ was
by the Queen’s command appointed and fitted to carry Whitelocke’s copper and other goods
from hence to England. By advice of friends, Whitelocke under his hand and seal desired Sir George
Fleetwood to consign the copper to Whitelocke’s brother-in-law, Mr. Wilson. The desire was
thus:—
“I Bulstrode Whitelocke, Constable of the Castle of Windsor, one of the Lords Commissioners of the
Great Seal of England, and Ambassador Extraordinary from his Most Serene Highness the Lord Protector of
the Commonwealth 305 of England, Scotland, and Ireland, unto her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, do hereby
desire my honourable friend, Sir George Fleetwood, Knight, General-Major under the Crown of Sweden, to
ship and consign unto Mr. Samuel Wilson, merchant in London, in Bishopsgate-street, two hundred
ship-pound, Swedish weight, of gore copper; the which the said Mr. Samuel Wilson is to receive and dispose
of according to my order. Dated at Stockholm, in Sweden, the 26th day of May, 1654.
“B. Whitelocke.“
According to which warrant, the copper was put on board the ‘Swart Hundt,’ fitted and
victualled for England. Of Whitelocke’s ship, Whitelocke gave the command and charge, and of his
goods therein, to one of his servants, Taylor, by commission under his hand and seal, and to bring his copper
and goods in her from hence to London, as soon as he could, wind and weather favouring. Wrangel procured
this ship for Whitelocke, and a pass from the Admiralty of Sweden for her to go through the Sound; and
Whitelocke thought it better to see this ship on her voyage, than to leave the sending of her away to the care of
others after his departure.
May 26, 1654. 137

His goods embarked in the Amarantha. Whitelocke sent the rest of his goods and baggage on board the
’Amarantha,’ which weighed yesterday, and he hoped might by this time be within four leagues
of the Dollars; but the wind came contrary for her advance any further, and Whitelocke must continue here till
he could understand that his ship was gotten to the Dollars, which is fourteen Swedish leagues from this city,
but may be gone in six or seven hours by boats in a shorter passage. His stay here seemed tedious to
Whitelocke. This day the wind coming about a little towards the east, increased his 306 hopes of getting away,
for which they were in daily expectation.
The trade of Stockholm. By some merchants and others of this city, Whitelocke learned what was the
commerce of this town, and by his own view he found it to be commodiously seated for trade and to receive
all the commodities of the country’s growth, which are brought hither by water; and it is the more
convenient because the greatest ships may come up to the very houses and there load and unload their
merchandises, never wanting water, which there is always deep, and equal in the height of it. But this city is
somewhat far distant from the sea by water, so that before the ships can go between the sea and the town, they
must fetch a compass of about one hundred English miles, with the danger of many rocks and islands in the
way; and they must have also divers winds which are hindrances to their commerce.
The present Queen hath been curious to invite hither and to entertain many good artists, yet everything here is
very dear, except the native commodities; and now Gothenburg, growing up in trade, being situate without the
Sound, a more open and easy place for access of strangers,—some believe that by the growth of that,
this port may be diminished. It is the better supported by the Court being commonly kept here, and
consequently being the residence of the principal nobility and officers. Some courts of justice constantly, and
the Ricksdag generally, being held in this city, increase the trade of it; and this being a good road for ships to
defend them from injuries of weather or other dangers, makes it the more frequented.
Plenty of provisions are brought to this town for the 307 supply of it; and most of their native commodities, as
copper, iron, pitch, tar, deal, masts, and the rest, are brought hither and here shipped and transported into
foreign parts; from whence their merchants and strangers do bring to this northern market all manner of
merchandise here vendible; and from hence again they are vended to all the northern and eastern parts of this
country, whereby their trade and wealth is also increased, so that one of their authors calls it,
“Celeberrimum ac nobilissimum Septentrionis emporium.” The trade of this place hath brought
and settled here as inhabitants,—besides Swedes, Goths, Fins, and Laplanders,—divers of
Germans, of Pomerland, Mecklenburg, Westphalia, etc.; also English, Scotch, French, Dutch, and almost of
every country of Europe. Some are here now become citizens, and are treated with justice and civility by the
natives, to the end that they and others may be the more encouraged to add to the riches, strength, and trade of
this place.
May 27, 1654.

Detained by contrary winds. Whitelocke visited Sir George Fleetwood at his lodging in Stockholm, and
finding with him Vice-Admiral Thysen and Peterson, both Hollanders and in service of the Crown,
Whitelocke brought them all home with him to dinner, and advised with them about his voyage. The wind
came more contrary to Whitelocke this day than yesterday, but he knew no other way but a patient submission
to the will and time of God. Here he bestowed on a German clock sixty-two rix-dollars.
The government of Stockholm. From some of the magistrates and others of this 308 city Whitelocke learned
that the government thereof is by four Councils, and a Senate of the citizens, as their Common Council,
consisting of twenty-four chosen yearly in this month by suffrage of the inhabitants, and justice is
administered to the people by them in like manner as in other cities. Besides these officers there is a Castellan,
or governor of the castle of Stockholm, who, by a peculiar authority over the city, takes care of the walls and
May 27, 1654. 138

buildings thereof, as he doth of the castle and other the King’s buildings there. He is to defend the
privileges of the town, and is chief in their political administration. He also orders and keeps up the revenue
and trade, and suffers not the royalties of the Crown to be diminished, nor any of the public treasure, without
the license of the King, to be expended. He is always one of the Ricks-Senators, and hath joined to him a
Vice-Castellan, of the equestrian order, who is chief in the judgements of the city within the Senate and
Councils, and is intent to the execution of justice.
The defence of Stockholm. The strength of this city is chiefly in the situation of it among the waters, which
are no small defence, and in the bodies of their inhabitants, who make a considerable number of the soldiery,
many of whom have been in foreign service. The Castellan commandeth them, sees their musters, and that
they be provided with arms and in a posture of defence; and under the Castellan is a captain, who hath the
military charge next under him. The main body of the town hath somewhat of a wall about it, but the suburbs
and other islands are encircled with the waters, with bridges for communication.
The castle is of indifferent strength, and notably 309 provided of arms and ammunition, as is before
remembered, which adds to the strength and safety as well as command of the city. They have not a formed
garrison in the town; but divers companies of the King’s guards, when the Court is there, and
sometimes of other regiments of the army, are quartered there, as occasions do require. The castle commands
a good part of the town, and may be as a citadel upon any emergent business; and in case of any troubles at
sea, the ships of war lie here in readiness forthwith to be manned, are provided with ammunition, provisions,
and all things necessary for the defence and safeguard of this port and city from any attempts which may by
sea be made against it.
Whitelocke made up his despatches for England, and now dated his second letters from Stockholm, attending
for a wind.
May 28, 1654.

The Lord’s Day.—Whitelocke, according to his custom, had a good sermon in his lodging
preached by one of his chaplains in the morning, and another good sermon preached there in the afternoon by
Mr. Biger, a Scotch minister, and chaplain to Sir George Fleetwood, then with him. In this city Whitelocke
observed the inhabitants very orderly to frequent their parish churches, and not so much profanation of this
day in this place as he had seen at Upsal, and other places in the country.
May 29, 1654.

Sir G. Fleetwood returns to the King’s coronation at Upsal. Whitelocke with longing desires attended
the coming 310 about of the wind for his voyage; but he must stay God’s time, which is always best.
He could not persuade Sir George Fleetwood to stay longer with him. He thought it necessary for him to go to
Upsal, to be present at the King’s coronation; and at his request Whitelocke sent by him to Wrangel
this letter:—
“A son Excellence le Feld-Maréchal Wrangel à Upsale.
“Monsieur,
“Je n’ai pu retenir plus longtemps le Général Major Fleetwood avec moi, son désir le portait si
fort de se trouver à Upsale, au couronnement, de crainte qu’il ne semblerait négligent, et manquer à
son devoir envers son Altesse Royale; mais la raison de ce qu’il a présenté ma requête à votre
Excellence est qu’il vous plaise moyenner envers son Altesse Royale, afin qu’il retourne à
May 28, 1654. 139

Stockholm; et que je puisse jouir de sa compagnie jusqu’à mon départ, qui en apparence sera différé
plus longtemps que je ne le souhaiterais, à raison de la contrariété des vents.
“Je supplie votre Excellence de me faire la faveur de baiser en mon nom les mains de sa Majesté et de
son Altesse Royale, et d’accepter, pour tant de faveurs que votre Excellence m’a faites, tant à
Upsale qu’en ce lieu, les actions de grâce de celui qui est,
“Monsieur, à votre Excellence
“Très-humble serviteur,
“B. Whitelocke.
“Stockholm, May 29, 1654.”
Berkman went from hence 17th May at night, and returned this morning hither, and brought to Whitelocke
this letter:—
Lagerfeldt’s letter on the Swedish prizes. “Illustrissimo Domino Domino Bulstrode Whitelocke,
Extraordinario Reipublicæ Angliæ in Sueciam Legato, officiocissimè.
“Illustrissime et Excellentissime Domine Legate,
“Quanquam valde dubitem, an Excellentiam vestram hæ 311 litteræ in Sueciam inveniant, nolui tamen,
accepta hac occasione, vel meo officio deesse, vel refragari quorundam Suecorum petitioni, nam cum naves
duæ Suecicæ, quarum naucleri Bonders et Sibrand follis vocantur, nuper ceptæ et in Angliam delatæ sint,
sperant fore, ut, per hanc meam intercessionem, cum primis autem per benevolam Excellentiæ vestræ
commendationem, quantocius dimittantur. Nisi igitur mihi satis perspecta esset Excellentiæ vestræ integritas,
pluribus ab ea contenderem, ut dictarum aliarumque detentarum in Anglia Suecicarum navium liberationem,
atque per se æquam ac amicitiæ fœderique mutuo conformem sibi haberet commendatam; sufficit nunc
saltem indicâsse Excellentiæ vestræ, quippe cui nihil jucundius esse scio, quam ut amicæ
confœderatæque gentes, sancta fidei justitiæque observantia, inter se strictius colligentur. De cætero
Excellentiæ vestræ felicem in patriam reditum exopto, ut me nostrumque Barkmannum officiose commendo.
Dabam Upsaliæ, 27 Maii, anno 1654.
“Excellentiæ vestræ
“Ad quævis officia paratissimus,
“Israel Lagerfeldt.”
In the evening Whitelocke walked abroad to take the air, the time of his stay here being very tedious to him,
attending for a good wind, that he might proceed in his longed-for return to his native country and relations;
but he submitted to the good pleasure of God, who orders all times and seasons and all things for the best. At
night the wind came about a little towards the east, favouring his voyage.
May 29, 1654. 140

May 30, 1654.

Preparations for departure. The wind continued this morning, as it was last night, easterly, but not sufficing
for Whitelocke to go on his voyage. The Vice-Admiral Clerke coming to 312 Whitelocke, he advised with
him touching his voyage, and asked him if he thought the ‘Amarantha’ might with this wind be
gotten to the Dollars. He answered that there could be no assurance thereof, but that possibly it might be so;
whereupon Whitelocke replied, that he had a great desire to go down himself to the Dollars, before the news
came of the ‘Amarantha’s’ arrival there, because the wind might come good, and within
six hours carry them out to the open sea, which, if neglected, might retard their voyage fifteen days or more.
Clerke said that if Whitelocke desired to do so, that he would not advise him to the contrary, but he believed
that this might expedite his voyage; only he said that Whitelocke must be content to lie on board the ship till
the wind should come fair, because there was no accommodation to be had for him and his company at the
Dollars. Whitelocke said he should be well contented to lie on ship-board, and prayed Clerke to cause boats to
be provided for his passage to the Dollars the next day, and ordered his officers and servants to prepare all
things in readiness for his departure accordingly. Wrangel came back this night from Upsal, and several other
persons, though very late, having staid the solemnity of the Queen’s resignation and the coronation of
the new King, which they related to Whitelocke to be done this day, and in this manner and solemnity.
Relation of the ceremony of the Queen’s resignation. About nine o’clock this morning the
Queen, being attired in her royal apparel and robes of purple velvet, with her crown upon her head, and
attended by all her officers and servants, came into the room prepared for that occasion, where was set a table
with a rich carpet, and five great cushions laid upon it. Most of the grandees and officers were present.
313 Upon one of the cushions was laid the sword of state; upon the second cushion was laid the sceptre; upon
the third cushion was laid the ball; and upon the fourth cushion were laid the keys.
The Queen being come into the room, after a little pause made a short speech to the company, to this
effect:—
“My Lords and Gentlemen,
“You have before this time been acquainted with my resolution to resign the crown and government of
this kingdom into the hands of my most dear cousin the Prince, here present with me, upon my earnest request
to the Ricksdag, now convened. After long debates and much solicitation to dissuade me from it, yet at length,
though unwillingly, they have assented to this my resolution; and I am now come to put the same in execution
before all these honourable witnesses here present; and to you, my most dear cousin, I do heartily wish all
happiness and good success in the management of the public affairs of this kingdom.”
Having thus spoken, the Queen desired that some of them would take the crown from off her head, but none
would do it; she then called to Grave Tott and the Baron Steinberg, expressly commanding them to do it, but
they refused, till again earnestly commanded by her; they then took the crown from off her Majesty’s
head, and laid it down upon the fifth cushion on the table. After that was done, some others, by her command,
took off the royal robes with which she was clothed and laid them down upon the table. Then the Queen,
having thus divested herself of these ensigns of royalty and resigned her crown, being now in her private
habit, made courtesy to the Prince and to the rest of the company, and retired into her own
chamber,—an act of a strange constancy and fixedness 314 of resolution, going through with this great
work of her own abdication without the least outward show of reluctancy for what she had done, but with the
same behaviour and confidence as at all other times in her particular and private affairs.314
For this act of the Queen’s resignation they had no precedent; for the solemnity of the King’s
May 30, 1654. 141

coronation they had many; and the same is at large, with all the circumstances and ceremonies thereof, set
down by one of their authors, Wexionius (Epit. Descriptionis Sueciæ, lib. v. c. 6), from which the ceremonies
of this Coronation were not much different, and thus shortly related unto Whitelocke.
Ceremony of the King’s coronation. After the Queen was withdrawn to her private chamber, the
Ricks-officers and senators humbly desired the Prince that he would be pleased to walk to the Cathedral
Church, where the Archbishop and other prelates 315 were ready to attend his Royal Highness, and to perform
the solemnities of his coronation. The whole company went thither in this order. The officers and servants of
the Court went first in a very great number, together with many officers of the army and other gentlemen.
After them came the nobility, the gentlemen, barons, and earls, members of the Ricksdag; then followed the
Ricks-Senators, two and two, in rank. After them came the five Ricks-officers: first, the Ricks-Schatzmaster,
or High Treasurer, who carried the keys; next to him, the Ricks-Chancellor, who carried the globe; after him
came the Ricks-Admiral, who carried the sceptre; then one in the place of the Feldherr, or General, who
carried the sword; and lastly the Ricks-Droitset, or Chief Justice, who carried the crown. After the Chief
Justice came the King himself, in his ordinary habit, with a huge troop following him, and the windows and
streets crowded with multitudes of people. The guards and soldiers stood in their arms as the company passed
by.
Being thus come to the Cathedral, at the door stood the Archbishop with a horn of oil in his hand,
accompanied with other bishops, superintendents, and many clergymen. He received the Prince at the church
door, and conducted him up to the high altar, where they had prayers, and then the Archbishop anointed the
Prince with the oil. They put upon him the royal apparel, put the crown upon his head, the sceptre in his right
hand, and the ball into his left hand, and so he was invested into the royal dignity, and declared, with all his
titles, King of Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, etc.; drums, trumpets, and loud acclamations of the people adding
to the proclaiming of their new King. 316 Not many days past they laboured to hinder the doing of it; now
they shout for joy that it is done. Thus are the minds and practice of the multitude, whom nothing pleaseth
long,—nothing more than novelty.
The ceremonies being performed at the Cathedral, the new King, with all his new subjects and servants,
returned from thence into the castle in the same order as he came hither. By the way he was saluted with the
loud acclamations of the people, “God save the King!” Thus coming to his Court as he entered
it, the abdicated Queen looks out of her window, and with a cheerful countenance and voice heard by the
company she wished her cousin joy of his crown and government. The King retires for a while to his private
chamber, then is called forth to a sumptuous feast, where most of the nobility and senators did attend upon
him and rejoice with him, and afterwards did swear fealty, homage, and allegiance to him.
But this relation was not so pleasing to Whitelocke as the thoughts of his departure from this place, and his
longing to proceed in his voyage homewards.
May 31, 1654.

Whitelocke takes boat and leaves the shore; The ‘Swart Hundt’ set sail this morning with
Whitelocke’s goods and copper, Taylor commanding her, and Swedes mariners in her; the wind was
come about indifferent good, for his and for his master’s voyage. Wrangel and Clerke affording
Whitelocke their company at dinner, he advised with them what time of the day would be best for him to go
from hence. Clerke said that the boats would be ready after dinner to transport him from hence to the Dollars,
317 whither he hoped that by this time the ‘Amarantha’ might be come. He and Wrangel
advised Whitelocke not to go on board the boats till six or seven o’clock in the evening, to avoid the
heat of the day, and to enjoy the benefit of the cool of the night, which was better to be endured than the
extremity of the heat of the day, especially upon the water; and the heat some affirmed to be at this time as
May 31, 1654. 142

violent in this country as it is in Spain or Italy. Whitelocke found it now as much hotter than England as it is
colder in the winter.
About seven o’clock in the evening Whitelocke left his lodging, where they made him pay as an
Ambassador Extraordinary. For the use of the house, only for eleven days, they made him pay a hundred and
sixty rix-dollars; for his victuals, but one meal a day, without any dainties, they exacted above a thousand
rix-dollars. Such is their unconscionable exaction upon strangers. It was time to leave them, and Whitelocke
being called by Wrangel and Clerke, he went to prayers with his company, recommending themselves to the
protection and blessing of God; and presently after prayers he and all his people went to the water-side,
multitudes by the way saluting him with respect as he passed by, and crowding to see him take boat.
He went into a galley of the Queen’s attending for him. Most of his gentlemen and Clerke were with
him in the galley; the rest of his company went in a great boat provided for them. This galley had two masts
bearing the Queen’s colours in silk. In the hinder part of it was a room with a table and benches round
about it, the table covered with crimson velvet, 318 the benches with red cloth, and tapestry upon the floor.
The room held about ten persons; the outward room about twelve men, besides the watermen for sixteen oars.
At her head she carried two small pieces of ordnance, which they fired at loosing from the harbour, and the
ships of war fired as they passed by. They went on in a great deep water, sometimes very broad, sometimes
more narrow, on the sides whereof were huge rocks, and here and there little trees growing out of the clefts of
them, with small heaps of earth lying on them, but they increase not much in that soil.
Many rocks all along on the shores, and islands of rocks, with the smell of the fir-trees on them, was a variety
for strangers; and the water being calm, they made use only of their oars. The trumpets sounding where the
rocks were most uneven and made concavities, gave much delight by the resounding of seven or eight echoes
to one sound. Yet the multitudes of craggy rocks of vast greatness and huge tallness, with their uneven heads
and ragged sides, filling all the shores and making many islands, and those causing no small danger in the
passage, appeared, especially at first and to the younger seamen, very dreadful and amazing; but after a little
acquaintance with them, and constant being in their company, and the seamen knowing the passage, caused
the less fear, and the sevenfold answering echoes, as if they had been so many trumpets, gave delight to the
hearers, with some admiration of that multiplying sound. But their cheerfulness was increased by meeting
with a boat about two Swedish miles from Stockholm, whose men informed Whitelocke that the
‘Amarantha’ was that day 319 come into the Dollars, which good news added hopes and spirit
to the company of advancing in their voyage towards their longed-for country; and the night seemed the less
tedious by discoursing of this providence, that, the same day that Whitelocke came away, his ship should fall
down to be ready to meet him, and not sooner, and whereof he knew nothing beforehand.
Clerke informed Whitelocke of the places by which they passed, and the condition of the country. They came
into a very narrow way and straits, about a bow-shot in length, where a great vessel could not pass, both for
want of breadth and depth of water, the greater boat with Whitelocke striking the sands as she passed over.
This way was to get into the road and channel for the ships from Stockholm to the Dollars, which is near
twenty Swedish miles for the ships to go about. From this strait they came again into deep water, environed as
before with rocks, and full of islands.
and reaches his ship at the Dollars. When they were within a mile of the Dollars, the wind came about to east
and north-east, very fair and good to carry them out to sea, whereas before it was flat against them. Hereupon
Whitelocke took occasion, the wind being now good, to order his galley to make way forthright to the
’Amarantha’ without going on shore at all, which was done, although it seemed long at the
latter end of the way, the company weary, and the watermen tired with rowing, though they did not at all row
with that nimbleness and mettle as the English use to do.
May 31, 1654. 143

When Whitelocke departed from Stockholm the wind was contrary to him; after he was certified by 320 the
boat which he met that the ‘Amarantha’ was in the Dollars, the wind suddenly changed and was
fair for him, and after this providence they came in good time to the ship, the tedious passage of the night
being over, wherein Whitelocke slept upon the boards and in the open air,—hardship enough for one of
his age and condition, but God was his protection.
184 [This entry is evidently a repetition of the conversation reported at length on the 5th of April. The story
here related by M. Woolfeldt is his own.]
188 “We Christina, by the grace of God Queen of Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, etc., do make known
and testify, that, whereas it is the common and mutual interest of us and our kingdom, as also of Oliver, Lord
Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the dominions thereof, our good
friend, and of the said Commonwealth, that the ancient friendship and alliance which hath always been
between this kingdom and those nations be conserved and increased; and especially that the freedom of
commerce and navigation do continue straitly conformed and uninterrupted; and for that cause the foresaid
Lord Protector and Commonwealth have been pleased to send their Extraordinary Ambassador unto us:
therefore we have commanded, and do by these presents, in the best form, command and commit unto the
most illustrious our sincerely faithful and beloved the Lord Axel Oxenstiern, Chancellor and Senator of us and
the kingdom of Sweden, etc., and also to Lord Eric Oxenstiern of Axel, likewise a Senator of us and of the
Kingdom of Sweden, etc., that they do treat, agree, and conclude with the before-named Ambassador and
Plenipotentiary about the making of a league concerning the foresaid matters and other things thereunto
pertaining. Whatsoever therefore our said Plenipotentiary Commissioners shall act, conclude, and appoint
with the before-named Ambassador, we shall hold the same ratified and confirmed by force of these presents;
in witness and strengthening whereof, we have commanded these presents, subscribed with our hand, to be
corroborated with our great seal of the kingdom. Given in our castle of Upsal, the fourteenth day of March, in
the year one thousand six hundred fifty and four. Christina.“
193 [No sooner had Cromwell assumed the Protectorate than his foreign policy took a more definite shape,
and was steadily directed to two great objects—peace with Holland, and the union of the Protestant
States. The conclusion of the Dutch peace was however not an easy matter. Cromwell himself had declared in
favour of the daring project of a union of the two Republics, and the Dutch alliance was hated by many of his
stoutest military supporters. Moreover he required of the Dutch, as a condition sine quâ non, that they should
engage never to make the young Prince of Orange or his descendants their Stadtholder, or to give him the
command of their forces. This was the secret article against which the States General most vehemently
protested, and Cromwell was at length obliged to content himself with an engagement of the province of
Holland to exclude the House of Orange. Even this pretension was strongly opposed by De Witt, but
Cromwell insisted. The public treaty of peace was signed on the 5th of April, 1654; but it was not until the 5th
of June following that the secret article was ratified. The King of Denmark, the Swiss Protestant cantons, the
Hanseatic towns, and some of the Protestant Princes of North Germany were included in the treaty, which
formed the complement of the negotiation on which Whitelocke was engaged in Sweden.—M. Guizot,
Histoire de la République d’Angleterre, vol. ii. p. 67.]
200 “We, Christina, by the grace of God Queen of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, etc., do make
known and testify that whereas the endeavours of the illustrious and generous, of us sincerely beloved, the
Lord Bulstrode Whitelocke, Extraordinary Ambassador, are most grateful to us, which he hath negotiated for
the common good of our Kingdom and his Commonwealth, for the making of a league of stricter friendship
between both parties: therefore, and to the end it may appear as a testimony of our goodwill and grateful
memory on this behalf, we have thereupon granted and assigned, and by these our letters do grant and assign
to the said Lord Ambassador two hundred pound of copper, commonly called ship-pounds; the which two
hundred pounds of copper our treasurers and officers of our Chamber of Accounts are obliged, without delay,
to deliver into the hands of the before-mentioned Ambassador. In greater testimony whereof we have
May 31, 1654. 144

commanded these presents, subscribed with our hand, to be confirmed by our seal. Given in our castle of
Upsal, the 3rd day of May, in the year 1654. Christina.”
240 “I, the subscribed Bulstrode Whitelocke, Constable of the Castle of Windsor, and one of the
Keepers of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of England, Commissioner, Procurator, Deputy, and
Extraordinary Ambassador of the Most Serene and Most High Lord Oliver, Lord Protector of the
Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the dominions thereof and the said Commonwealth, do
make known and testify, that whereas by the treaty of alliance between the said Most Serene and my Most
High Lord Oliver, Lord Protector, and the Most Serene and Most Potent Prince and Lady the Lady Christina,
by the grace of God Queen of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, etc., a firm peace and friendship is established:
and I have judged it chiefly consonant thereunto to find out means to remove certain grievances of the people
and citizens of either State, and to take away all grounds and occasions thereof which may arise in time to
come. Therefore, upon some differences moved, I have agreed with the most illustrious and most excellent
Lords, Plenipotentiary Commissioners and Senators of her said Royal Majesty and of Sweden, the Lord Axel
Oxenstiern, Chancellor of the kingdom, etc., and the Lord Eric Oxenstiern, son of Axel, President of the
General College of Trade, etc., in manner as by the following articles is expressed and explained.
“First, whereas a certain company of English exercising merchandise in Guinea have complained of
one Henry Carelove, who, being Governor of the Swedish Company in that country, did take away from the
English certain places inhabited by them, and did other injuries to them; but the said Swedish Company not
only took upon them to prove that the before-named Governor did commit no fault, but likewise made
complaint of grievances against the officers of the said English Company; but these particular differences of
merchants at this time could not for certain reasons be wholly determined, and therefore it seemed most
counselable to both parties that in a friendly way, without any indirect courses, they may be composed by
certain Commissioners on both sides. In the meantime it is agreed that the differing hereof shall be to the
prejudice of none of either part, so that neither the fellows or officers of the said companies nor any subjects
or citizens of either State shall offer any injury or molestation to one another in Guinea, or in the free
commerce or travelling there; but, as before is expressed, the determination of the differences being referred
by both sides to the superiors, they may live friendly among themselves, and treat one another with that
goodwill which is consonant to the league concluded between them. The same also shall be observed in
America between the colonies of New Sweden and of the English, that they do embrace a sincere friendship,
and that either party do abstain from all troubles and injuries to the other, but chiefly that they do endeavour
their mutual preservation until there be a clear agreement before the deputed Commissioners on both sides
about the limits of the colonies, and other rules of friendship that shall be requisite, together with other affairs
of particular persons. Which matters, that they may be enjoined to all and singular the subjects and citizens of
either State, and may be observed by them, I have fully taken upon me by these presents, by virtue of my
commission, and do confirm by subscription of my hand, and by my seal.”
268 [Whitelocke, in his zeal to exhort the Heir-apparent to the service of God and the observance of the
Lord’s Day, appears to have appreciated very imperfectly the extraordinary character and the political
capacity of the Prince who paid him so signal a mark of deference. Yet in the romantic and chivalrous annals
of the House of Vasa, scarcely any reign is more remarkable than that of the sovereign to whom Christina
ceded the throne. In the course of the ensuing five years Charles Gustavus, at the head of a chosen band of
Swedish veterans, conquered Prussia, and compelled the Great Elector to acknowledge himself to be a
Swedish vassal; invaded Poland, and commenced the partition of that republic; allied himself to Rakoczy, to
the terror of the House of Austria, and attacked Denmark with such success that he crossed the Little Belt on
the ice and laid siege to Copenhagen, which was only saved by the mediation of the Maritime Powers. Such
was the splendid career of Charles Gustavus between the period of his accession to the throne and the year
1660, when he died, not having completed his thirty-eighth year. More than any of his predecessors or of his
successors on the Swedish throne, he may be said to have held the Empire of the North; and the favour here
shown to Whitelocke indicates the importance attached by the Swedish Prince to secure at least the goodwill
May 31, 1654. 145

of Cromwell during the prosecution of these Extraordinary enterprises.]
283 [Oxenstiern died about three months afterwards.]
314 [It would be idle to speculate on the political motives which may have combined with other reasons to
induce Christina of Sweden to conceive and execute this extraordinary design. Other sovereigns have
abdicated from the lassitude of age or the burden of unpopularity, or the desire of ensuring the succession to
their offspring; but the resignation of a Queen in her twenty-ninth year, surrounded by able ministers and a
loyal people, and who had reigned with splendour and success, is an event without a parallel in history. The
explanation of it is to be found in the eccentricity, the levity, the feverish curiosity, and the indomitable love
of independence and singularity which are to be traced in every part of the Queen’s character. She was
a woman of powerful but ill-regulated mind, capable at one time of sharing in the speculations of Descartes or
of applauding the exhortations of Whitelocke,—at another, of bowing to the spiritual bondage of Rome,
and even of committing the brutal murder of Monaldeschi. The character of Cromwell pleased her by its
adventurous exploits and its arbitrary tendency, and her reception of the English Embassy was as much the
result of personal predilection as of policy. Whitelocke amused her by his somewhat pedantic erudition, and
flattered her vanity, but he seems scarcely to have divined the extraordinary variations of her character.]
321 JUNE.
June 1, 1654.
Whitelocke embarks in the Amarantha, and sails. Having been part of yesterday and all the last night upon the
water, this morning, about seven o’clock, Whitelocke and all his company came to the Dollars, and,
without setting foot on shore, they went on board the ship ’Amarantha,’ lying there to expect
them. And although this was not usual, but passengers generally stay some time at this place till their ships be
ready, and to make provisions for their voyage, and spend some money at the cabaret here; yet Whitelocke
seeing the wind fair, and having all his company together in the boats, was unwilling to let them be scattered
by going on shore, which might be troublesome and retard his voyage by getting them all together again. For
these reasons he commanded all his people to go forthwith aboard the ship, as he himself did, at which
Vice-Admiral Clerke wondered, and said he had not seen the same done before.
This ship, the ‘Amarantha,’ had never yet been at sea, and therefore the more dangerous to
adventure in her first voyage; but she was well built, a fair ship, of a good burden, and had mounted in her
forty pieces of brass cannon, two of them demy cannon, and she was well manned and of good force 322 and
strength for war; she was a good sailer, and would turn and tack about well; she held a hundred persons of
Whitelocke’s followers and most of his baggage, besides her own mariners, about two hundred. The
cabins wherein Whitelocke was were of a handsome make; the breadth of the ship was the length of his
bed-cabin, and it was six or seven paces broad, and high enough for the tallest man; it was hung with red
cloth, the furniture of the bed was rich cloth of gold and silver; on the table was a rich carpet, and all over it a
canopy with broad fringes of silk and gold and silver. Within the bed-cabin was another room for him to retire
into, with a table and benches covered with red cloth. All the gentlemen had accommodations as the ship
could afford.
Being all settled in the ship, they were fain to stay for the ship-boat which the captain had sent for water; and
as soon as it was returned, about ten o’clock in the morning, they weighed anchor and put the ship
under sail, recommending themselves to the mercy and protection of Him who rules upon the waters as well
as on dry land, and of whose goodness they had so great experience. They sailed by the place called the
Scares, that is, the isles of rocks, which are there in the water and on both sides of the shore, of a strange
321 JUNE. 146

cragginess, largeness, and number; those in the sea are full of danger, and often afford but a very strait
passage for the ships to go between them, and no other course is to avoid them. From hence the sea begins to
widen herself towards the furthest point of land, which they call the Lands-Ort, answerable to our English
point of land called the Land’s End in Cornwall. The Lands-Ort is eight Swedish leagues 323 from the
Dollars, and hither they reached by the evening, the wind being east and south-east all this day.
June 2, 1654.
The voyage. About eleven o’clock the last night the wind came about more to the south, yet
Whitelocke advanced in his course and gained some way, but not much, the wind being almost against him;
and so it continued in this morning, when there appeared a chain of rocks advancing themselves more than a
Swedish mile into the sea, and not far from the isle of Œland, to which rocks it is not good to approach
too near. They could not maintain their course but to very small advantage, and by veering up and down to
gain a little of the wind, and in this manner they spent this whole day: the wind continuing at south-south-east,
they did not advance much all this day, only kept what they had gained before, and held plying up and down
in that dangerous sea; their support was that this was the good pleasure of their God, whose will the wind and
waters do obey.
Though the weather was not foul, yet it was thick with fog which arose at the foot of the horizon, and the
mariners said this weather was ordinary in these seas, but very dangerous. In the evening some of the
company made them pastime to divert the tediousness of the way and weather.
June 3, 1654.
The island of Gothland. About midnight the wind came about somewhat fairer than before, and Whitelocke
gained a little in 324 his course. At sunrising he discovered the isle of Gothland, eight leagues distant to the
east from the isle of Œland; afterwards the wind returned to the same quarter wherein it was yesterday.
The isle of Œland is near the continent, extending itself in length by the shore eighteen Swedish miles,
but hath not in breadth in any place above two Swedish miles. This is the place where the Prince of Sweden,
now King, used to make his residence, in a fair castle built of stone of this island, not inferior to
marble,—these stones are in great request for pavements, pillars, and other uses and ornaments in
building. The pillars of the King’s Chapel at Stockholm, great and high, well polished and of divers
colours, were brought from this island, and they have many of these stones in the buildings of the great lords.
This island is a place of the most field-pleasure of any in this country, being open and stored with red and
fallow deer, with hares and conies, and with partridges, which are scarce in other parts; but here the game is
preserved for the Prince’s pleasure.
The isle of Gothland is about fourteen Swedish miles in length, and five in breadth. It anciently belonged to
the Swedes till the Danes took it from them, and kept the possession of it till the late wars between those two
crowns, when the Swedes recovered it from the Dane; and by the peace after that war the treaty left it to the
Swede, and allowed for it the isle of Bornholm to the Dane, being nearer his dominions. They report that
heretofore Gothland (belonging to the Goths, from whom it hath the name) was famous for the traffic of all
these quarters, and had in it a large town called Wisby, where formerly 325 certain laws were instituted
touching the sea, which are observed to this day. But Lübeck, and other towns on that side, having got the
trade from hence, and the sea by inundations having much diminished this isle, both it and the town are
become but of small consideration.
The wind was little and very variable, and this day was a calm, so that they could advance very little in their
voyage. In the evening the wind grew fresh, and increased till three o’clock the next morning, so that
June 1, 1654. 147

they made good way in their course; but these deep seas began to rise, and the ship to roll and toss so much,
that some of Whitelocke’s people, sensible of it and of the increasing of the wind and waves, and of
the mariners’ labour and disorder, began to be afraid and sick. But Whitelocke cherished and
comforted them the best he could, and gave order for attendance upon them, and that they should want
nothing which the ship could afford; the which was the more in his power, the command of it being wholly
left to him by the Queen; and by his kindness, and ceasing of the storm, they began to recover their courage,
the wind changed, and it grew more calm after the ruffling.
June 4, 1654.
The voyage.—Bornholm. The Lord’s Day.—Still Whitelocke was toiling on the Baltic
Sea. After three o’clock in the morning he advanced a good way in his course; but about ten
o’clock they discovered land, which was the isle of Bornholm, distant from the point of south of
Œland eighteen German leagues. It seemeth a plain and flat ground, about eight Swedish miles in length,
and 326 about five in breadth; this isle is fruitful and well peopled, abounding in pastures, so that it yields a
good revenue in butter. Many witches are affirmed to be in this isle, and no place in this sea hath more
shipwrecks than upon Bornholm. Some give the reason thereof from the strait pass between this isle and the
continent; yet is the coast clean and without rocks, and hath good roads; others attribute the cause of these
shipwrecks to the great and dangerous sands about this and the other isles of this sea, which (especially about
this isle of Bornholm) do lie out far and shallow in the sea, on which many ships have been struck and lost;
and here Whitelocke’s ship was in some peril, but it pleased God still to preserve him. He floated in
sight of this island almost all this day, the wind veering into most points of the compass, and he was turned
back from his course and lost more than he gained of his way.
About nine o’clock in the morning the ship’s company, having a minister on board with them,
were at their exercises of devotion, which they have every morning, beginning with singing a psalm, as we do;
then the minister prays, but not long, and the conclusion is to sing about two verses of another psalm, and so
they part; except on the Lord’s Day, as this was, their chaplain preached a short sermon in the morning
in Swedish, but none in the afternoon. Whitelocke for his own company had the usual exercises of praying
and preaching by his chaplain Mr. De la Marche, Mr. Ingelo being sick.
Towards the evening the wind began to be fresh again; they kept their course near Bornholm, and might
discern the castle. After Whitelocke was gone 327 to rest, Vice-Admiral Clerke, who was on board with him,
followed a ship to inquire if she heard any news of a Swedish ship laden with salt from Portugal; at which
some of Whitelocke’s company taking offence, the Vice-Admiral desisted; but by this deviation, the
‘Amarantha’ (which is not fleet of sail) lost three leagues, which she was cast back in her
course, and was brought in great danger by sailing too near the shore; but the Lord guided them.
June 5, 1654.
Meet an English ship. In the morning Whitelocke was out of sight of Bornholm, and pursued his course, the
wind blowing a little in a good quarter. About nine o’clock they descried some ships, of which one
seemed to be a great one; and coming nearer, they perceived an English ship to be with them. The
’Amarantha’ fired a gun to warn them to strike sail, she carrying the flag in her maintop, and
being a man-of-war of Sweden. The English captain did not obey, and Clerke commanded to shoot again at
him; but Whitelocke ordered Clerke first to send his boat with some of Whitelocke’s servants, to
advertise the English captain that Whitelocke was in the Swedish ship. They coming on board found the
captain in choler, preparing to fight with the Swede, denying their sovereignty on these seas; but being
informed by his countrymen that the English Ambassador was on board the Swedish ship, he presently, and
Mr. Fisher, a merchant, with him, came to Whitelocke, rejoicing to see him, and said that if he had not been
June 3, 1654. 148

there the Swedish Vice-Admiral should have had hot work; but now he struck sail to the Ambassador, 328
whom he acquainted that all was well in England; that he had brought in his ship the commissioners to agree
the differences between our Commonwealth and Denmark, who were now at Copenhagen; and that when they
passed the Sound, the King of Denmark’s officers were very friendly to them. He told Whitelocke also
that two English frigates, sent by the Protector for Whitelocke’s transportation, were arrived at
Hamburg, and waited for Whitelocke there; after giving him some wine, and discourse, Whitelocke dismissed
this Captain Morgan to proceed in his voyage to Danzic, whither he was bound. At his parting all were
friends, and Clerke gave him two guns, after the Swedish custom, but Morgan answered him with seven
pieces of ordnance; then Clerke gave him two more guns, to which Morgan gave two also, and a third a little
while after.
The ‘Amarantha’ having loitered by reason of the calm, which continued till the evening, they
were most part of this day within sight of the isle of Rügen, near the coast of Pomerland, and part of that
Duchy which fell in partage to one of the duke’s sons, who there kept his court in a fair castle, whereof
somewhat yet remains. The island appears high to those that sail by it, and hath in length about eight German
miles, and about five in breadth; the King Gustavus took it, and it hath since continued in the possession of
the Swedes, and was confirmed to them by the late treaty of Munster; the coast is full of white sands, and
dangerous to those who are not well acquainted with the passages, which hereabout are strait, and a bank of
sand comes far out into the sea, on which Whitelocke was in great peril, within four-fathom water in 329 the
night; but they were glad to veer back again and tack about to escape the danger.
The wind blew fresh from the north-east, by which he continued his course till about midnight; when there
came a hideous storm of wind, thunder, rain, and lightning, which caused them to furl their sails, and lasted
about three hours; but the waves continued very high above twelve hours together afterwards, it being the
nature of this sea when it is once stirred, that by reason of the great depth it will not be still again for many
hours after. Some of Whitelocke’s company were much affrighted with this tempest, and not without
cause; but it pleased God to cease the storm, and give fair weather, and thereby more cause to remember the
experiences they have had of His divine goodness throughout their whole voyage.
June 6, 1654.
The coast of Pomerania. In the morning; the wind continued fair, and they made good way till towards eight
o’clock, when it grew calm till about seven o’clock in the evening. All this day they were upon
the coast of Pomerland. One of the mariners, from the top-gallant, espying land and a town, informed them
that it was Wismar; but coming nearer to the shore, they found it to be Rostock, eight leagues further from
Lübeck than Wismar is. Both these towns are subject to the Crown of Sweden, port towns, and of good trade;
Rostock more famous to the High Dutch for their exceeding strong and thick beer.
In the evening the wind blew fair north-west, but the sky grew thick, and the night coming on, they, for fear of
falling upon the coast, tacked off again to sea, 330 and out of their course. About eleven o’clock at
night the storm began much more violent than the night before, continuing about six hours, to the imminent
danger of the ship to be overset and foundered in the sea, but still God preserved them. About midnight was a
horrible noise, the thunder fierce and strangely loud, the sky all in flames with the wonderful lightnings; and
though it be frequent to meet with great tempests of thunder and lightnings upon this sea, and much more
dreadful than those in England, yet now the officers and mariners of the ship affirmed that they never saw the
like to this tempest, and that they were almost blind with the shining and flashes of this lightning. They saw
also on the land houses burning, set on fire by the lightning, any flame whereof fastening upon the
combustible matter of the ship the same had instantly been fired and all within her inevitably had perished.
But still God was their defence and deliverer. The tempest was so outrageous that they were forced to take
down their sails and let fall their anchors. Here they found the difference between Sweden and this country:
June 5, 1654. 149

there, at midnight, one might plainly read without a candle; here, though nearer the summer solstice and the
days at longest, they found at least four hours of dark night, as seeming near the winter.
June 7, 1654.
Arrive at Lübeck. The tempest began to cease about five o’clock in the morning, and it grew fair
weather, the wind coming good for them to continue and finish their voyage. Thus God preserved them from
the danger of the last night as of many times before, the which Whitelocke 331 held himself obliged more
largely to describe as so many monuments, to him and his company, of the goodness of God towards them,
and to preserve the memory thereof as arguments to him and his, wholly to depend upon that God of whom
they have had so much experience.
The wind continued fair, and they sailed all along in the sight of land, drawing nearer and nearer to it, which
was pleasant to those who had been in such storms, and were not a little longing to be at their native home.
They came about ten o’clock in the morning to the road at Lübeck, and no sooner was the ship settled
there but the wind ceased and blew not at all, but it became a great calm; wherein also the providence and
goodness of God was seen, that had they not come to an anchor at this very moment, they must have been still
roaming on the sea till the wind had come about again for them, and perhaps might have been kept out at sea
many days longer. They were all filled with joy, having passed one half of their voyage, and seeing the place
of their first descent on land. The ’Amarantha,’ having let fall her anchors, fired two guns, and
a ship of the Duke of Courland’s, in the road, answered them with three. This road is a gulf between
two arms of land, at the first entrance from one another about a league; but it becomes more narrow as one
approacheth nearer to the mouth of the river, which is called Trave, and divides the two Duchies of
Mecklenburg and Holstein. This is the road or haven belonging to the town of Lübeck, and is of good defence
and safety to secure the riding of ships, and of conveniency for the trade of that town into the Baltic Sea.
332 After this perilous voyage of eight days’ sailing on the angry Baltic Seas,—escaping the
dismal, infinite, vast, craggy rocks, seen and unseen, and the covered sands and dangerous coasts, in the
highest storms,—it pleased Him who giveth bounds to the deep waters and stilleth the waves thereof, to
conduct Whitelocke and all his people in safety to this haven. They were not negligent to prepare for their
going on shore, in order whereunto Whitelocke sent Colonel Potley and some of his servants to land, to
provide horses for his coach, and waggons for his train and baggage; purposing to go that night to Lübeck,
being but two German leagues from Tremon, and the days now at longest.
Potley, according to order, gave notice to the Governor of Tremon of Whitelocke’s coming on shore in
the territories of his masters, the Lords of Lübeck, and provided boats, horses, waggons, and all things
necessary, with diligence and dexterity. Whilst this was doing, Whitelocke calls his company together into his
cabin, where they gave thanks to God for their safe arrival in this place, and humbly prayed for the
continuance of his blessing and presence with them, the rest of their journey yet to come.
After dinner, Whitelocke sent for Vice-Admiral Clerke and Captain Sinclair into his cabin, where he gave
them thanks for the care and pains they had taken for him and his company, and for their particular respects to
himself and observance of his desires; whereof he said he would by letters acquaint his Majesty of Sweden,
and report to the Protector their respects to him. He desired them to accept a small testimony of his
thankfulness for their civilities. 333 He gave the Vice-Admiral sixty dollars, to distribute to the mariners, and
sixty dollars more to the officers of the ship,—that is, the master and his mate, the boatswain, the
constable (so they call the master gunner), the gunner’s mate, and the rest. To Captain Sinclair he gave
eighty ducats, and to the Vice-Admiral one hundred ducats, which were the best compliments, and thankfully
accepted by them; and Whitelocke was the more liberal in these rewards, being to strangers, and for the
honour of his nation.
June 6, 1654. 150

The boats being gone, with the coaches, baggage, and most of the people, and the rest not unwilling to be on
shore, Whitelocke, with most of his gentlemen, went in one of the ship-boats; the Vice-Admiral bare him
company, and did him the honour to steer the boat himself; the rest of the company went in the other
ship-boat. After Whitelocke was gone off the length of two or three boats, and whilst the other boat lay by the
side of the ship, they fired forty pieces of ordnance, which, being so very near, did, with the wind, or fear of
the cannon, strike down some that were in the boat, who were more than frighted, insomuch that one of them,
after he came to Lübeck, continued very ill with swooning fits; but by the care of Doctor Whistler and good
cordials, through the blessing of God, he recovered, and was well again.
They went about half a league by water from the ship to the mouth of the river, where there is a little fort with
some great guns mounted, and without that are small towers for lights to direct the seamen, and a village
called Tremon, where they landed, all belonging to the city of Lübeck. Mon, in High Dutch, signifies a mouth,
and Tre is the name of the river; so 334 Tremon is the mouth of the river Tre. At their landing stood, ready to
receive them, a tall old man, with a long, white, venerable beard; he wore a broad belt, with a long
basket-hilted sword; he was a Colonel, and Governor of that fort. He spake to Whitelocke in High Dutch,
which Potley interpreted to this effect:—
“In the name of my masters, the Lords of Lübeck, I bid your Excellence welcome on shore and to this
place.”
Whitelocke answered him as shortly:—
“Noble Colonel,
“I heartily thank you for your civility, whereof I hope ere long to have the opportunity to acquaint your
masters the Lords of Lübeck.”
As Whitelocke passed by they fired three guns from the fort. The Colonel conducted Whitelocke to his house,
near the landing-place, multitudes of people flocking together. The house was not stately, nor very
convenient. There they were entertained with great store of very strong beer, which they call mum; and the
Colonel was exceeding free to call for large flagons of it for Whitelocke and for all his people; which
Whitelocke apprehending to have been the generosity of the Governor, yet fearing some disorder by it among
the inferior sort, and being whispered by Colonel Potley that the Governor expected to be paid for his drink,
which he usually sold to the passengers, Whitelocke ordered the reckoning to be paid, and hasted from this
honourable alehouse to his coach.
It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when Whitelocke went from Tremon, from whence to
Lübeck is two Dutch miles, that is, eight of our English 335 miles. And coming with such a train, and to pass
the usual ceremony in such cases to the Lords of Lübeck, Whitelocke sent Mr. Berkman and one of his
servants before, to salute the Lords of Lübeck in the name of the Protector, as friends to the Commonwealth
of England, and to advertise them, that the English Ambassador having occasions to pass through this city,
and to be there this day, he thought it requisite to give them notice of it. In the midway between Tremon and
Lübeck they came to a ferry over the Trave; the boat was large enough to carry at once two coaches and many
horses. At each end of the ferryboat such artificial work is made with planks that it serves both at the coming
in and going out of the boat, meeting with the planks on each side of the shore. By the weight of coach,
horses, waggons, cattle, or men, the planks are so wrought that they rise and fall according to the weight upon
them, and so as both those on the shore and the ends of the boat come to be even, and without more trouble in
the passing over them than a bridge would be.
June 7, 1654. 151

The great company, and some mishap of tearing one of his coaches, hindered Whitelocke’s journey;
but they went on in good time. About an English mile before they came to Lübeck, some company appearing
on the road, Whitelocke’s lacqueys alighted out of their waggons, and Whitelocke was met upon the
way by an ancient person of a good portly carriage, with a great white beard, and a greater ruff. He was
attended with four coaches; the first had six good horses in it, and was handsome, but not rich. The gentleman,
being alighted, and then Whitelocke also, he came and saluted Whitelocke, and spake to him in the High
Dutch, to this effect:—
336 “My Lord Ambassador,
“My masters, the Lords of Lübeck, have sent me with their coaches to conduct your Excellence into
their city, and to bid you welcome hither; and to assure you likewise that whatsoever this city will afford shall
be at your Excellence’s service.”
Whitelocke returned this answer:—
“Sir,
“I esteem it an honour to receive this respect from the Lords of Lübeck, your masters, for which ere
long I hope to have the opportunity to give them thanks; and in the meantime give me leave to acknowledge
your civility.”
This person they call the Marshal of the town, whom the Lords sent to meet Whitelocke, to answer his civility
of sending to them, which they took kindly. Then a young gentleman, well mounted and habited, met
Whitelocke on the way with a packet of three weeks’ letters from England, which he said Mr.
Missenden, his father, received from Mr. Bradshaw, the Protector’s Resident at Hamburg, with order
to send them to Whitelocke to Lübeck.
Whitelocke went into the coach of the Lords of Lübeck; with him were the Marshal, and Colonel Potley to
interpret for him. The country through which they passed was pleasant and fruitful, stored with groves, and
fields of corn not enclosed, but much like the champaign counties of England, only more woody, and seemed
the pleasanter to those who were lately come out of Sweden and from the Baltic Sea. Part of the country was
the Duchy of Mecklenburg, and part of it Holstein.
When they drew near the city Whitelocke ordered that his staffiers and lacqueys, in their liveries, should walk
by his coach bare, and his pages after them; then 337 his gentlemen and others in the other coaches and
waggons, in which equipage they entered the city. At the first fort they saluted Whitelocke with three pieces
of ordnance, and at the gates of the city were good guards, with their muskets. The streets were filled with
people, and many in the windows—not so many men as women; and those of the best rank and habit
were with their bodies and smock sleeves, like the maids in England in hot weather. Here the best women,
whose age will bear it, are thus habited, and with it sometimes rich clothes and jewels. When they were come
into the city, the Marshal took his leave of Whitelocke, saying that he must go to the Lord, to advertise him of
Whitelocke’s arrival.
Whitelocke passed through a great part of the town before he came to the inn appointed for his reception,
which was fairer without than within doors, the rooms for eating and lodging neither handsome nor well
finished. About half an hour after he was come to the inn, the Lords of the town sent one of their officers to
him, to know what time he would be pleased to appoint for them to come and salute him. Whitelocke
answered, that whensoever they thought fit to do him the honour to visit him they should be welcome, and left
to them the time which should be most convenient for their own occasions.
June 7, 1654. 152

Being settled and at a little quiet, he read his letters from England. Thurloe acquaints him that the issue of his
negotiation, and the prudent conduct of it, had very good acceptance in England, whither his return was much
wished and prayed for. Then he informs him of all the news both foreign and domestic, and the readiness of
the Protector to send ships for him to 338 Hamburg. From Mr. Cokaine he had several letters about his bills of
exchange, and other particular affairs. He had also letters from Mr. Taylor, from Resident Bradshaw, from his
wife, and from several loving friends in England.
June 8, 1654.
Whitelocke receives the Senate of Lübeck. In the morning the Lords of Lübeck sent again to Whitelocke, to
know what time they might come to visit him. He answered, at their own time, and that they should be
welcome to him within an hour. There came to him Martin Bokel, Doctor of the Laws, Syndic of the city, of
good reputation for his learning and abilities, Jerome Bilderbeck, and Matthew Rodde, Senators and Lords of
the city. The Syndic spake in French to Whitelocke to this effect:—“That, by command of the
Lords of this city, those gentlemen, part of their number, and himself, were come in the name of the Lords of
Lübeck to salute Whitelocke, and to bid him welcome to their city; that they rejoiced at his safe arrival here,
and for the good success of those affairs wherein he had been employed.” Whitelocke answered them
in French, the same language in which they spake to him, and which is expected in these parts, to this
effect:—“That the Lords of Lübeck had testified much respect to the Protector of England by
the honour done to his servant, of which he would inform his Highness; and in the meantime he thanked them
for the favour of this visit.”
After many compliments, Whitelocke gave them the precedence into his lodging, which is the custom here, as
in Sweden, and their discourse was in French in these matters of ceremony. Being sat together in his 339
bedchamber, the Syndic told Whitelocke that he had a message to deliver to him from his Lords; and,
according to the custom in matters of business, he desired to deliver what he had to say in Latin, and then
spake to him in the following oration:—
“Illustrissime et Excellentissime Domine Legate,
“Amplissimus Senatus Lubicensis grato animo recognoscit celeberrimam nationem Anglicanam

multiplici favore à multis retro annis populum mercatoresque hujus civitatis affecisse, atque etiam sæviente
inter utrasque respublicas durissimo bello, incolas nostras gratiam, et, ex occasione suarum navium ad mare
captarum, justitiam accepisse: amplissimus Senatus humillimè gratias suas refert, quas melius testari non
potuerunt, quam erga personam illius conditionis tantæque eminentiæ quantæ Excellentiam vestram esse
acceperant, suo speciali respectu, ad hæc cum etiam Extraordinarii Legati munere à clarissimo illo statu nunc
dignissimè fungatur. Gratulatur amplissimus Senatus negotiationis ab Excellentia vestra peractæ felicem
successum, ut et tanti viri in suam civitatem adventum. Quod si apud se in sua civitate aliquid sit Excellentiæ
vestræ acceptu dignum, illud quicquid sit offerre in mandatis habemus.
“Dolore etiam afficitur Senatus, se tam sero de Excellentiæ vestræ adventu certiorem esse factum, ut
rationes unde tantus hospes, et qui in ipsius comitatu sunt, pro merito exciperentur; melius inire non potuerit,
se tamen sperare à clementia vestra ipsis id crimini non datum iri. Per nos rogant hujus urbis magistratus,
Excellentiæ vestræ placeat, cervisiæ Lubicensis vinique Rhenani (quod officiariis Excellentiæ vestræ tradi
curaverant) parvulum utut munus boni consulere.
“Excellentissime Domine, candore vestro freti speramus, non nobis id vitio datum iri, si etiam hoc
temporis articulo paucula ex rebus nostris vestræ Excellentiæ consideranda proponamus: intempestivè fatemur
importuni sumus, sed certiores facti, non diuturnam fore vestram in civitate nostra 340 moram, id solliciti
timemus, ne aliquando nobis similis offeratur opportunitas; ideo à dominis nostris jubemur Excellentiam
June 8, 1654. 153

vestram certiorem facere, quam plures hujus urbis naves inter navigandum negotii causâ, occurrentes navibus
præliaribus Anglis, ab iisdem examen subiisse, liberatas tamen extemplò et dimissas, quod nihil suppetiarum
hostibus vestris contulisse deprehendebantur; nihilominus easdem naves à quibusdam privatis vestris
captoribus, capers dictis, non multò post apprehensas fuisse, et hucusque detentas esse, magno dominorum
detrimento.
“Sperat amplissimus Senatus, intercedente Excellentia vestra, ex justitia et favore Domini Protectoris,
restitutionem earundem secundum jus et æquum suo populo futuram, quem in finem, tam magistratus, quem
hujusce civitatis populus suppliciter rogat favorem et amicitiam Celsitudinis suæ Domini Protectoris, et
illustrissimæ reipublicæ Angliæ, in iis, quæ vel commercia vel etiam alia spectant, posse sibi
continuari.”
After a little pause Whitelocke made answer in Latin to the Syndic’s speech, to the effect
following:—
“Spectatissimi viri,
“Rectè à vobis observatum est, antiquam fuisse inter populum Anglicanum civesque Lubicenses
amicitiam et mutuam officiorum benevolentiam; nec defuisse unquam nobis, data occasione, Domini mei
Domini Protectoris reipublicæ Angliæ, Scotiæ, et Hiberniæ, animum benevolentissimum, quem integrum
adhuc à Serenissima sua Celsitudine erga vos conservari nullus dubito. Nec suspicio mihi est, quin
amplissimus Senatus, hujusque celeberrimæ urbis liberi cives, Dominum meum Dominum Protectorem
honore omni debito prosequentur, et benevolo affectu quotquot Anglorum, commercii aut conversationis
causâ, apud vos appellere voluerint.
“Referte, quæso, meo nomine, amplissimo hujus civitatis Senatui, gratias ob respectum erga Dominum
meum Dominum Protectorem rempublicamque Anglicanam, in honorificâ 341 mei eorum ministri receptione
significatum, tam in appulsu meo ad suum portum, quam ad civitatem suam aditu, necnon in munere quod
mihi offerre ipsis placuit: honori duco quod per me, in suis negotiis, Dominum Protectorem compellare ipsis
visum est, quod munus in me libenter recipio præstandum, quamprimum Deo placuerit ad Serenissimam suam
Celsitudinem mihi reditum indulgere, cui id curæ est, ut unicuique quod est juris uniuscujusque tribuatur. Non
equidem dubito, quin particularia favoris et respectûs erga hanc celeberrimam civitatem specimina reipsa
effecta comperiamini.”
The Syndic replied in French, that they did give many thanks to Whitelocke, in that he was pleased to take in
so good part the respect of this City to him, and desired that if there were anything here which might do him
service, that he would command it. Whitelocke said he came by this City in a desire to see it and the
fortifications of it, which, if they pleased to give him leave to do, he should take it as a favour. They said, that
even now the Senate had ordered Monsieur Bilderbeck and the commander of their forces to wait upon
Whitelocke at such time as he should appoint, to view the city, with their fortifications and magazines, and
whatsoever here should be thought by him worthy of his sight. Whitelocke thanked them, and discoursed
touching the government of the City, and what laws they used, to which the Syndic answered, that their
government was chiefly and generally by the municipal laws and customs of the city.
The franchises of Lübeck. Of these gentlemen and others Whitelocke learned this city is the chief and most
ancient of the Hanse Towns of Germany, and a kind of free State; that they have power to send
Commissioners as public ministers to any foreign prince or State, to treat and conclude with them about any
matters relating to their 342 city, and that without the leave or knowledge of the Emperor.
The people of the city chiefly are the merchants and artificers, most of them tradesmen; and both they who are
masters, and their servants, being constantly employed in trades and personal businesses, they are the less
June 8, 1654. 154

troublesome in the government of them; as to the criminal part, idleness, being the mother of mischief,
causeth quarrels and debaucheries, from whence pilferings, robberies, fightings, and murders do arise; but
where people are kept to occupations, traffic, and employments, as they are here, it breeds civility,
peaceableness of disposition, desire of rest and quiet, and a plentiful subsistence, and gives less occasion of
proceedings in criminal offences. But as to suits upon bargains and contracts, they are the more, because there
be so many contracts as merchants and tradesmen must make; yet those suits are here brought to a speedy
determination within themselves by their ordinary judges, which are three, and usually assisted with a doctor
or licentiate in the laws, who are in great esteem in this country. These judges commonly sit thrice a week, to
determine civil controversies, which they do by their own laws and customs, which also have much affinity to
the civil law, especially as to the forms and manners of their proceedings; and where the matter contended for
exceeds the value of a thousand rix-dollars, there the party grieved may, if he please, appeal from the sentence
of these judges to the Imperial Chamber at Spires, as they also do in capital causes; but civil causes under the
value of a thousand dollars are finally determined within themselves, and no appeal lies from them.
They acknowledge the Emperor as their protector, 343 but afford him no gabels or taxes but what their
deputies, whom they elect and send to the general Diet of the Empire, do assent unto. Their chief officers are a
Burgomaster, like our Mayor, twenty-four Senators, like our Common Council, and a Syndic, as our
Recorder. These are the chief Council and Judicatory of the city, and order all the public affairs thereof; only
in some extraordinary occasions of making laws or foreign treaties, matters of war and peace, the people of
the town make choice of deputies, sometimes forty or fifty,—more or less, as they please,—who
sit and consult with the Senate, and by their votes by the people, who willingly submit thereunto.
The town-house of their Guildhall is reasonably fair, not extraordinary. Their Court of Justice is below at the
upper end of a large hall, made four-square, with seats like the Court of Exchequer in England; above this is
another Court or Council-house, greater than that below, which is for the meeting of the Deputies of the Hanse
Towns, who usually all assemble here; they have also several other chambers for the meetings and
consultations of their own Senators and officers about the affairs of the city.
Aspect of the city. In the afternoon the Commander or Lieutenant-General of the forces of the town, whom
they call Obrist Lieutenant, Monsieur Andreas Keiser, and the Senator Bilderbeck, came, with four of the city
coaches, to accompany Whitelocke to see the town and fortifications of it. The Senator spoke only Latin, the
Lieutenant spoke good French. They went through most parts of the town, and found the figure of it exactly
done in painting in a table in their magazine, with the fortifications of it: upon the view of the whole town, it
344 seemed a pleasant and noble city. It is of great antiquity, freedom, privileges, trade, polity, and strength,
few in these parts exceeding it; not unhealthful in the situation, beautiful in the buildings, profitable in the
commerce, strong in the fortifications, and rich in the inhabitants.
The streets are large and fair, kept clean and sweet; the houses built of brick, generally uniform, most in the
frontispieces, and covered with tile; at the entry into them, usually the first and lower room is largest, paved
with Orland stone, full of streaks of red and white, and some with black and white rich marble. In this first
room they use to set their best household stuff, as the chief room for entertainment; yet they will also in some
part of the room have a partition with boards, above a man’s height, for a kitchen, where they dress
meat and hang their bacon and other provision, which are not out of sight nor smell; and here also, in this
room, some of their goods of merchandise are placed; but the better sort keep their houses more neat, and
have kitchens and larders out of view. In the second story are ordinarily the lodging-rooms, and some for
entertainment; the third and fourth stories are granaries and storehouses, which they hold better for such uses
than cellars and lower rooms, which, they say, cause damage to the commodities.
The country about, for a league, and in some parts two leagues or more, belongs to the city, is within their
jurisdiction, and is fruitful and pleasant, sweetly watered by the Trave, adorned by the groves and meadows,
and many pleasant summer-houses for the recreation of the citizens.
June 8, 1654. 155

345 Fortifications and arsenal of Lübeck. The town is regularly and strongly fortified, the more being situated
in a plain and low country, with the rivers and waters about it; the grafts of the works are large and deep, full
of water on all sides; between the bulwarks are large places, sufficient to draw together five hundred men in
each vacant place; and on the banks of some of the ditches are low thorn hedges, kept cut, as good for defence
as palisades. There be many pieces of ordnance mounted on several parts of the works, chiefly on the
bulwarks, and divers of them are demi-cannon: the fortifications are about a league in compass; the Trave
furnisheth water for all the grafts, and the earth with which the lines are made is of a good sort and well
turfed. They are well stored with arms and ammunition, which Whitelocke was admitted to see in their
arsenal, which is a large house; in the lower room were twelve mortar-pieces of several sizes, and two
hundred pieces of brass ordnance, founded in the town, some of them great culverin, one of an extraordinary
length; but there was neither powder nor ball—that was kept elsewhere; but here were the utensils to
load and cleanse the guns, hung up in order, and the carriages were strong and good. The story above this was
furnished with arms, few for horse or pikemen, but many muskets and swords, disposed in ranks the whole
length of the room, with bandoliers between, and cases for bullets beneath; at the upper end of the room hung
certain great swords, with which traitors had been beheaded; at the lower end of the room were many
halberds; divers of the muskets were firelocks, others for match, and some with double barrels. There was in
all, by conjecture, arms for twelve thousand foot, few pikes or 346 horse-arms, but muskets, as most useful for
a town, and according to the custom in these parts, where the companies in the town militias are only
musketeers, they holding pikes not proper but in the field and against horse.
The forces of this city constantly in pay are fifteen hundred men, besides twenty-five companies of the
citizens, each company consisting of two hundred men, and two troops of horse of the citizens. Their chief
strength, under God, consisting in the bodies of their citizens, proper and stout men, who, if they come to fight
pro aris et focis, for religion, liberty, wives and children, and estates, for their all, are full of courage; not like
mercenary, unfixed, unfaithful men, whose trade is in blood, and who are pests to mankind.
Honours paid to Whitelocke. At their Guildhall they entertained Whitelocke and his company with wine and
sweetmeats, but not profusely. After a long and large tour, they brought Whitelocke back to his inn, and did
him the honour to sup with him; and, with much respect and civility, the Obrist-Lieutenant and Senator after
supper took their leaves of Whitelocke. Divers men and women of the best quality of the citizens came with
their children to Whitelocke’s inn to see him, and many of them would stand by whilst he was at
meals. He caused his people to show all civility to them, as himself did, saluting the gentlemen and seeming
to offer to kiss the women’s hands, the salutation of the lip not being in these countries allowed.
The Lords sent a guard of twelve musketeers to attend Whitelocke, which were placed at his door and in the
street, and relieved by others during the time of Whitelocke’s stay here, as an expression of their 347
respects to him. The town musicians, who were masters, well accoutred and behaved, and played some
English lessons, and the town trumpets and drums, came likewise to show their respects to Whitelocke, but
the more readily in expectation of some reward from him, which expenses cannot honourably be avoided.
Whitelocke’s four pages, eight lacqueys, and four grooms, besides the gentlemen’s lacqueys, in
his livery, walked bare by his coach-side when he went abroad; himself was in his plain grey English cloth
suit, with the Queen of Sweden’s jewel at his breast. The people were full of respect to him in their
salutations as he passed by them.
The secretary of the English company at Hamburg came to Whitelocke from the Resident and company there,
to invite him to the English house there, with expression of much ceremony and respect to him as their
countryman. Whitelocke was not willing to stay longer than one day in this town, and therefore ordered his
officers to make preparations of horses and waggons to remove from hence tomorrow; and understanding that
it was forty English miles from hence to Hamburg, and much of the way bad, he thought it too long a journey
for him, with so great a train and hired horses, to travel in one day, and therefore ordered to go from hence
tomorrow in the afternoon, to lie at a village midway between Lübeck and Hamburg. The Lords of Lübeck,
June 8, 1654. 156

with much courtesy, offered him to lodge in a house of theirs three leagues from hence, and to make use of
their horses; but he thought it not convenient, the house not being furnished and their horses not used to travel,
and he having sent before to the village midway to take up 348 his quarters; for which reasons he excused it to
the Lords, yet with many thanks for their courteous offers.
June 9, 1654.
The Lutheran Church at Lübeck. Several gentlemen of the English company at Hamburg, and among them his
nephew, Sir Humphry Bennett’s son, came hither to visit and accompany Whitelocke to Hamburg. The
Senators and Syndic and Obrist-Lieutenant, who had been before with Whitelocke, came to take their leaves
of him. From them and others Whitelocke learnt, that the religion professed in this city is after the doctrine of
Luther and the Augsburg confession; yet some Calvinists are permitted, though not publicly, among them, and
some Papists are also connived at, though not publicly tolerated to exercise their worship; yet some of them
live in a college of Canons, who have a fair house and good revenues in this city.
They have many images and crucifixes in their churches: one, made of earth, of the Virgin Mary, very exactly,
is believed by many goodwives of the town, that, upon worshiping and praying to it, they shall become
fruitful. In the same church is a rare tablet of the passion of our Saviour, admired by artists for the rare
painting and lineaments of it. Above the altar is a little image of our Lady, so contrived with wires fastened to
it, that one, being hid on the other side of it, may make it turn forward and backward, to the admiration of the
multitude of spectators, who know, by the motion of the image, whether the offerings which they make, and
lay upon the altar, be acceptable or not; if one gives a small offering, the 349 image turns away from it in
disdain of it; if it be a fat offering, it turns towards it in token of acceptance; and though they tell these stories
themselves, yet still they retain these images and trumperies among them. This church is of a good length and
breadth, but the height is not proportionable: it hath few monuments of note, only some of their Bishops and
Canons, among which one is indeed remarkable, which they will needs have to be believed, where a Canon
was buried some hundreds of years since, yet now sometimes is heard to knock in his grave, whereupon
instantly some one or other of his surviving brethren, the Canons, gives up the ghost, and comes to the dead
Canon at his call.
From hence Whitelocke went and viewed the other churches, all alike furnished with images and crucifixes,
and full of pews, fitted according to the quality of the parishioners. The churches are built of brick, and some
of them covered with copper, which they brought from Sweden in older times. They use a liturgy, not much
differing from our old Book of Common Prayer; their ministers are grave and formal; they commend them for
pious and learned and good preachers; but Whitelocke, not having the favour to see one of them at his
lodging, can give the less particular account of them.
The trade of Lübeck. Whitelocke also learnt that the trade of this city is the most of any town on this side the
Baltic Sea, having a convenient port or road at Tremon, belonging to this city, from whence they send into all
parts of that sea, and have the advantage for the commerce of copper, deal, hemp, flax, pitch, tar, and all the
commodities of those parts; and by this port, they save 350 the trouble and charge of going about through the
Sound, which southern merchants do.
Before the Swedes had much traffic, and built their own ships, and employed their own mariners, which is not
ancient, Lübeck did more flourish, and had the sole trade of Sweden, and of vending their commodities again
into all parts of the world; whereby the Lübeckers grew great and rich, especially by the copper and iron
which they brought from Sweden hither, and wrought it into utensils and arms, and then carried it back to
Sweden for the use of the inhabitants there; who, growing in time more wise, and learning to work their own
materials, and to build and employ their own ships in trade, and the city of Hamburg growing up and
increasing in trade, and particularly by the staple for English cloth being there settled, and those of Lübeck not
June 9, 1654. 157

admitting strangers among them, their town began to decay, and to lessen in their trade and wealth, and is not
now so considerable as in former times, yet still they drive a good trade into the Baltic Sea and other parts, but
not with so great ships as others use, which they build at home, of about a hundred and fifty and two hundred
tons; and they affirm that they have built here ships of four hundred tons, but there is difficulty for them to go
down to the river, by reason of the shallows, which yet serves to bring up their commodities in great boats by
the river, from the ships to this town. They find the smaller vessels useful for their trade, and to build them
they are provided of good store of timber out of Germany, Denmark, and Sweden; and, by their consent, the
King of Denmark doth sometimes make use of their town and carpenters to build ships for himself.
351 About three o’clock in the afternoon, the baggage and most of Whitelocke’s inferior
servants went away. The Lords offered Whitelocke a party of their horse for the guard of his person; but he,
with thanks for their courtesy, refused it, having store of company well armed of his own retinue, besides
some English of Hamburg who were come to him. The Lübeckers commended the sobriety and plainness of
Whitelocke and his company; only they said his liveries were very noble; and they wondered that they saw no
more drinking among them, and that he had so constant exercises of religious duties in his family.
Whitelocke proceeds to Hamburg. The Senators and Syndic came again to compliment Whitelocke for the
Lords, and to wish him a good journey; and, after ceremonies passed, about four o’clock in the
afternoon, Whitelocke took his coach for Hamburg; he had another coach and four waggons for his people. As
he passed through the streets, multitudes of all sorts stood to see him go by, respectively saluting him. At the
gates were guards of soldiers, and having passed the last port, they saluted him with three pieces of ordnance,
according to their custom, but with no volleys of small-shot; and so he took his leave of Lübeck. Being come
into the road, and his pages and lacqueys in the waggons, he made what haste he could in his journey with
hired horses, and so much company.
The country was pleasant and fruitful, groves of wood, fields of corn, pastures, brooks, and meadows
adorning it: it is an open champaign; few hedges, but some little ones made with dry wood, like our hurdles,
for fencing their gardens and dividing their corn-grounds. The way was exceeding bad, especially 352 for this
time of the year, full of deep holes and sloughs in some places and of great stones in others. This Duchy of
Holstein seems to take its name from holt, which, with them and in Sweden and with us, signifies wood, and
stein, which is a stone; and this country is very full of wood and stone; yet is it fruitful, and, like England,
delightful to the view, but it is not so full of towns, there not being one in the way between Lübeck and this
night’s quarter, which is five German, twenty English, miles. But a few small houses lie scattered by
the way; and about four miles from Kettell, this night’s lodging was a fair brick house by the side of a
large pond, which is the house belonging to Lübeck, where they offered Whitelocke to be entertained, and he
found cause afterwards to repent his not accepting their courtesy.
When they came to the lamentable lodging taken up for him this night, they found in all but two beds for their
whole company. The beds were made only of straw and fleas mingled together; the antechamber was like a
great barn, wherein was the kitchen on the one side, the stable on the other side; the cattle, hogs, waggons, and
coaches were also in the same great chamber together. They made themselves as merry as they could in this
posture, Whitelocke cheering and telling them that it was in their way home, and therefore to be borne with
the less regret. They of the house excused the want of accommodations, because the war had raged there, and
the soldiers had pillaged the people of all they had, who could not yet recover their former happy and plentiful
condition; which was not helpful to Whitelocke and his people, who must take things as they were, and make
the best 353 shift they could. His officers had provided meat sufficient for them; he caused fresh straw enough
to be laid all over the room, which was the more tolerable in this hot season. He himself lay in one of his
coaches, his sons and some of his servants in straw, near him; the rest of the company, men and women, on
straw, where they chose to lie in the room, only affording place for the horses, cows, sheep, and hogs, which
quartered in the same chamber together with this good company.
June 9, 1654. 158

June 10, 1654.

Journey through Holstein. In his coach, through God’s goodness, Whitelocke slept well, and all his
people on the ground on fresh straw, yet not so soundly as to hinder their early rising this morning, when they
were quickly ready, none having been put to the trouble of undressing themselves the last night. His carriages,
twelve great waggons, went away about four o’clock this morning, some of the gentlemen’s
servants in the van, one upon each waggon; his porter, butlers, and others, in a waggon in the rear, with store
of pistols, screwed guns, swords, and other arms, for their defence. Whitelocke came forth about six
o’clock with his own two coaches, and eight waggons for the rest of his followers. In some of their
waggons they drive three horses on-breast, and each waggon will hold eight persons. They passed by better
houses in this dorf than that where they quartered, which the harbingers excused, coming thither late and
being strangers.
The country was still Holstein, of the same nature as yesterday. In the lower grounds they saw many 354
storks, one whereof was killed by one of Whitelocke’s company with his gun,—a thing not
endured here, where they are very superstitious, and hold it an ill omen where any of them is killed. But
Whitelocke, blessed be God! found it not so; yet he warned his people not to kill any of them, to avoid offence
to the country, who report that these birds will not resort to any place but where the people are free, as in the
United Provinces, where they have many of them, and do carefully preserve them, and near to Hamburg and
other Hanse Towns.
About a mile from Kettell is a great gate cross the highway, where they take toll for the Duke of Holstein of
all the waggons and carriages, a loup-shilling apiece (that is, little more than an English penny). This gate they
shut against Whitelocke, but being informed who he was, they presently opened it again, and a gentleman
came to Whitelocke’s coach-side, excusing the shutting of the gate, being before they knew who it was
that passed by. He told Whitelocke the custom and right of this toll, but that nothing was demanded of
ambassadors, who were to pass freely, especially the Ambassador of the Protector and Commonwealth of
England, to whom the Duke, his master, he said, was a friend. Whitelocke thanked the gentleman for his
civility, acknowledging the Protector to be a friend to the Duke, and so they passed on.
About a mile and a half before they came to Hamburg, Captain Parkes, of the ‘President’
frigate, and Captain Minnes, of the ‘Elizabeth’ frigate, met Whitelocke on the way, and told
him all was well in England, and that by command of the Protector they had 355 brought those two frigates
into the Elbe to transport him into England. Whitelocke told them he was very glad to see them, especially on
this occasion. As they were walking and discoursing of the ships and their voyage, a great number of persons
and coaches, the Resident Bradshaw, with the treasurer, the doctor, their minister, and almost all the English
company, with twenty-two coaches, came to meet Whitelocke on the way, and to bring him with the more
respect to Hamburg. All alighted out of their coaches, and, after salutations, the Resident told Whitelocke that
the occasion of their coming forth was to testify their respects to Whitelocke, and to desire him to do their
company the honour to accept of the English house at Hamburg for his entertainment. Whitelocke gave them
hearty thanks for their respects to the Protector and to the Commonwealth whereof they were members, in this
honour which they did to their servant. He accepted of their courteous offer, desiring the company and
conversation of his countrymen above all others. They walked a little on foot together, where the Lord
Resident (so they styled him) showed Whitelocke his last week’s letters from Thurloe, mentioning the
imprisonment of many upon suspicion that they were engaged in a plot against the Protector, and that the
serious considerable malignants discovered it. He also delivered to Whitelocke private letters from his wife
and other friends.
About a mile from the place where they met was a fair inn by the wayside, where the Resident moved
Whitelocke to make a halt and rest himself, because if he should then go directly to the town, he would come
June 10, 1654. 159

into it just at dinner-time, which would not be 356 convenient. Upon his persuasion, and perceiving that a
preparation was here made, Whitelocke went in, where the English company entertained him with a plentiful
dinner at a long table holding above sixty persons. From hence, with Whitelocke’s approbation, the
Resident, as from himself, sent to the Governor of the Militia at Hamburg, as Whitelocke had done before to
the Lords, to advertise them of his coming. The Governor returned thanks, and said that two senators were
appointed to receive Whitelocke at the Port. After dinner they all took their coaches. With Whitelocke was the
Resident and Treasurer; the rest in the other coaches, the pages and lacqueys riding and walking by.
The country is here low and rich, sprinkled with rivers, and adorned with many neat and sweet houses
belonging to the citizens of Hamburg, who resort to those houses in the summer-time with their families to
have the fresh air.
Arrival at Hamburg. Almost an English mile before they came to the town, the highway was full of people
come forth to see Whitelocke pass by. At the port were no Senators to receive him, but great guards of
musketeers and multitudes of all sorts of people, there and through all the streets unto his lodging thronging so
that the coaches could not pass till the guards made way. The people were very courteous, and Whitelocke
answered to the meanest their civility, which is pleasing and not costly. The windows and doors were also
crowded, which showed the populousness of the place and their expectation as to the Commonwealth of
England. They brought Whitelocke to the English house, which is fair and large, the first room below,
according to the fashion 357 of Lübeck; the chambers, especially where Whitelocke lay, handsomely
furnished.
Reception of the Senate of Hamburg. Within half an hour after his arrival, an officer of the town, in the nature
of a master of the ceremonies, came from the Lords of the town to bid Whitelocke welcome thither, and to
know what hour he would appoint for admittance of some of the Lords to visit him. Whitelocke returned
thanks to the Lords for their respects, and prayed the gentleman to tell them that whensoever they pleased to
give him the honour of a visit, they should be welcome to him. Within half an hour after came two Senators,
Herr Jurgen van Holtz and Herr Jacob Silm. After ceremonies passed, Holtz spake in French to Whitelocke, to
this effect:—
“Monseigneur, qui êtes Ambassadeur Extraordinaire de sa Sérénissime Altesse Oliver, par la grâce de
Dieu Seigneur Protecteur de la République d’Angleterre; aussitôt que les Messieurs de cette ville ont
été avertis de votre intention de passer par cette ville-ci, ils ont été désireux de témoigner leurs très-humbles
respects à Monsieur le Protecteur et à votre personne en particulier, en suite de quoi nous avons reçu
commandement de vous venir saluer, et faire à votre Excellence la bienvenue en cette ville. Ils sont
extrêmement aises de l’heureux succès que Dieu vous a donné en votre négociation en Suède, et
qu’il lui a plu aussi vous donner un bon passage, et favoriser votre retour jusqu’en ce lieu, après
avoir surmonté beaucoup de difficultés, et échappé beaucoup de dangers, et nous prions sa Divine bonté
qu’il vous rende en sauveté dans votre pays. Nous sommes aussi commandés de reconnaître les faveurs
que Monseigneur le Protecteur d’une si grande République a faites à notre ville et aux habitans
d’icelle, et particulièrement durant la guerre entre l’Angleterre et les Pays Bas, en libérant et
déchargeant nos navires. Nous souhaitons à ce fleurissant état la continuation 358 et l’accroissement
de la faveur Divine pour leur conservation et accroissement de plus en plus, et nous espérons que
Monseigneur le Protecteur continuera avec la République ses faveurs envers notre ville, qui sera toujours prête
de leur rendre tous offices et humbles respects.”
After a little recollection, Whitelocke answered in French to the Senator’s speech thus:—
“Messieurs, j’ai grande occasion de louer le nom de Dieu, de sa protection de moi et de ma

suite, en notre long et périlleux voyage, et pour l’heureux succès qu’il m’a donné en ma
négociation, et ma sauve arrivée en ce lieu, en mon retour en mon pays. Je vous désire de remercier
June 10, 1654. 160

Messeigneurs les Sénateurs de cette ville du respect qu’ils ont témoigné envers sa Sérénissime Altesse
mon maître et la République d’Angleterre, par l’honneur qu’ils ont fait à leur serviteur,
de quoi je ne manquerai d’en informer: j’avais grande envie de voir cette illustre ville, et mes
compatriotes qui par accord vivent ici, desquels j’ai appris avec beaucoup de contentement que leurs
priviléges ici étaient maintenus par Messeigneurs les magistrats, lesquels je désire d’être informés que
son Altesse mon maître prendra en fort bon part le respect et la justice qu’on fera aux Anglais qui se
trouvent ici, chose que je croie tournera en avantage aux uns et aux autres. Je vous rends grâces aussi de vos
bons souhaits pour la prospérité de notre nation, à laquelle Dieu a donné tant de preuves de sa présence, et je
prie le même Dieu aussi pour l’heureux succès de cette ville, et de tous les habitans
d’icelle.”
After Whitelocke had done, the Senator again spake to him, desiring him, in the name of the Lords of the
town, to accept a small present which they had sent, in testimony of their respects towards him, and said that it
was somewhat for his kitchen and somewhat for his cellar. The present which they sent for his kitchen, and
was laid upon the pavement in the hall, 359 was this:—four great whole sturgeons, two great fresh
salmons, one calf, two sheep, two lambs. The present for the cellar was a hogshead of Spanish wine, a
hogshead of claret wine, a hogshead of Rhenish wine, a hogshead of Hamburg beer, a hogshead of Serbster
beer. Whitelocke ordered the men that brought this present to be rewarded with ten rix-dollars. He desired the
senators to return his hearty thanks to the Lords for the noble present which they sent him; and after many
compliments and ceremonies Whitelocke, giving the Senators the right hand, conducted them to their coach,
and so they parted.
The English company entertained, with a great supper, Whitelocke and his company, who had more mind to
sleep than to eat. Monsieur Hannibal Schestedt, late Viceroy of Norway, sent a gentleman to Whitelocke to
know what time he would appoint for him to come and visit Whitelocke, who gave the usual answer, that
whensoever he pleased to come he should be welcome.
June 11, 1654.

Divine service at Hamburg. The Lord’s Day.—The English company and the Resident
Bradshaw desired Whitelocke that one of his chaplains might preach in the chapel belonging to the English in
their house, which they said was a respect to the Ambassador of England; and accordingly Mr. Ingelo
preached in the morning, and a very pertinent and good sermon. The doctor, minister to the company here,
preached in the afternoon, who far exceeded Mr. Ingelo in the strength of his voice and lungs, the which was
not necessary for that chapel, 360 not being large, but convenient and handsomely made up with pews and
seats fit for their company.
June 12, 1654.

The Resident sent to the Governor to inform him that Whitelocke had a desire to see the fortifications of the
town. He answered that he would send one of his lieutenants to wait on Whitelocke for that purpose; but
Whitelocke and the Resident took this for no great compliment that himself came not to Whitelocke. Much
company did Whitelocke the honour to dine with him; Interview with the Swedish Envoy to the Emperor. and
after dinner Monsieur Bernelow, who was Ambassador from the Queen of Sweden to the Emperor, and was
now upon his return home, came to visit Whitelocke, and they had this discourse in Latin.
Bernelow. I desire your Excellence to excuse me that I cannot express myself in French or Italian, but, with
your leave, I desire to speak to you in Latin.
June 11, 1654. 161

Whitelocke. Your Excellence is welcome to me; and if you choose to express yourself in Latin, you have your
liberty, and I shall understand something of it.
Bern. When I heard of your Excellence’s arrival in this city, though I purposed to have gone from
hence, yet I deferred my journey, to the end I might see you, because I have heard in the Emperor’s
Court, as well by letters from her Most Serene Majesty of Sweden as from the Chancellor and other senators
of that kingdom, what great satisfaction they had in the English Ambassador, etc. Now the league of
friendship being concluded between the two nations, I hold myself obliged to make this salutation to your
Excellence.
361 Wh. I have very many thanks to return to your Excellence for the honour you have done me by this visit,
and for these expressions of affection and respect to the Protector, my master. I do acknowledge myself much
engaged to the Ricks-Chancellor and senators of Sweden, and in the first place to her Majesty the Queen, for
their favourable respect towards me whilst I was in my negotiation with them, whom I found full of honour,
wisdom, and justice, in their transactions with me.
Bern. I have been for some time in the service of the Queen, my mistress, in Germany.
Wh. You met some of my countrymen in the Court of the Emperor, particularly a noble lord, whom I have the
honour to know.
Bern. I met there the Earl of Rochester, who was at the Diet at Ratisbon.
Wh. What proposals did he make there?
Bern. He made a kind of precarious proposal in the name of the King, his master.
Wh. Did he obtain what he desired?
Bern. He did not much prevail in it, only he obtained a verbal promise of some money, but had no
performance.
Wh. What occasion hath drawn your General Koningsmark with his forces at this time before Bremen?
Bern. It was thus by mistake occasioned. The Earl of Lüneburg had covenanted with the Spanish Ambassador
to levy some soldiers for the service of the King of Spain, which levies he began without acquainting the
Governor of that Circle with it, who taking this occasion, and bearing ill-will to the Earl, drew out some forces
to oppose those levies. Koningsmark understanding 362 this, and jealous that the Governor of the Circle
designed to fall upon the fort of the Queen of Sweden in those parts, he drew out some forces to oppose the
Governor. Those of Bremen, being informed that Koningsmark drew out his forces against them, sent some
troops, who forced the Queen’s subjects to a contribution and built a fort upon the Queen’s
land, which coming to the knowledge of Koningsmark, and that the Governor of the Circle of Westphalia
intended only to suppress the levies of the Duke of Lüneburg, and not to oppose the Queen of Sweden,
Koningsmark thereupon marched with his forces to the new fort built by those of Bremen, took it in and
finished it, and left there a garrison for the Queen, not disturbing the trade of that city.
Wh. Here were mistakes one upon another, which might have engaged that city and the neighbours, as well as
the Crown of Sweden, in a troublesome war.
Bern. All is now peaceable and well again.
June 12, 1654. 162

They had much other discourse touching the right of the Crown of Sweden to the Duchy of Bremen; and after
many compliments, the Ambassador took his leave.
Whitelocke visits the fortifications of Hamburg. About four o’clock in the afternoon the senator Holtz
and an ancient gentleman, one of the captains of the town forces, came and accompanied Whitelocke, to show
him the town and the fortifications of it, and said that the Lords had commanded them to do him this service.
Whitelocke went out with them in his usual equipage, his gentlemen walking before the coach, his pages and
lacqueys by it, all bareheaded, and with their swords. They viewed most parts of the city, the streets,
buildings, public-houses, churches, the arsenal, 363 the fortifications, the ships, the waters, rivers, and what
was remarkable throughout the town. Great multitudes of people, especially at their Exchange, came forth to
see them as they passed by, and all were very civil to them. To the works a great many of people also
followed them, and continued there with them.
They brought him first to see their arsenal, which is a large house; in the lower rooms thereof lay about two
hundred pieces of ordnance mounted on good carriages, fitted and useful. They were not founded in this place,
but brought from other parts; two of them were double cannon, each carrying a bullet of forty-eight pounds
weight; most of the others were demi-cannon and culverin. There were besides these many smaller pieces and
divers mortar-pieces, some of which were near as large in the diameter as that at Stockholm. In another place
were many shells of grenades and heaps of cannon-bullets. The pavement of the room was all lead, two feet
deep, in a readiness to make musket bullets if there should be occasion. In the rooms above were arms for
horse and foot, completely fixed and kept; the greatest part of them were muskets. Between every division of
the arms were representations in painting of soldiers doing their postures, and of some on horseback. Here
were many cuirasses and a great quantity of corselets, swords, bandoliers, pistols, and bullets. Here likewise
hung certain old targets, for monuments rather than use, and many engines of war; as, a screw to force open a
gate, an instrument like a jack, with wheels to carry match for certain hours’ space, and just at the set
time to give fire to a mine, petard, or the like. There were, in all, arms for about fifteen hundred horse and 364
fifteen thousand foot. They keep a garrison constantly in pay of twelve hundred soldiers, and they have forty
companies of their citizens, two hundred in each company, proper men; whose interest of wives, children,
estate, and all, make them the best magazine and defence (under God) for those comforts which are most dear
to them.
Some pains were taken by Whitelocke to view their fortifications, which are large, of about two German (ten
English) miles in compass; they are very regular and well kept. Within the grafts are hedges of thorn, kept low
and cut, held by them of better use than palisades. The bulwarks are of an extraordinary greatness; upon every
third bulwark is a house for the guards, and they are there placed. There is also a building of brick, a great
way within the ground upon the bulwark, and separate by itself, where they keep all their gunpowder; so that
if by any mischance or wicked design it should blow up, yet it could do no hurt to the town, being so
separated from it. On every bulwark there is space enough to draw up and muster a thousand men; beyond the
grafts are divers half-moons, very regularly made. The grafts are broad and deep, filled with the Elbe on the
one side, and with another smaller river on the other side.
The works are stronger, larger, and more regular than those at Lübeck. Above the works is a piece of ground
of above five hundred yards of low ground, gained by industry from the Elbe; here they have mills to keep out
or let in more or less water, as they find useful for the town and works. The lines of one side of the works are
higher than on the other side, and the works better and stronger made. Here are 365 also mounds of earth
raised very high to command without; there wanted no pains nor expense to put together so great a mass of
earth as is in these fortifications. Upon every bulwark is mounted one demi-cannon, besides other great guns;
in other places are smaller pieces. Round about the works are great store of ordnance, well fitted, mounted,
and kept; and the platforms are strong and well planked.
June 12, 1654. 163

Having made a large tour through the greatest part of the city, Whitelocke found it to be pleasantly situated in
a plain low country, fertile and delightful, also healthful and advantageous for trade; and notwithstanding the
great quantity of waters on every side of it, yet the inhabitants do not complain of agues or other sicknesses to
be more rife among them than in other parts.
Upon one side is a small river, the which comes a great way down the country to this town, where it loseth
itself in the Elbe, having first supplied the city with wood and other provisions brought down hither by boats,
for which this river, though narrow, is deep enough and navigable. On the other side of the town is the stately
river of Elbe, one of the chief of these parts of Germany, which also by boats brings down out of the country
great store of all sorts of provisions and merchantable commodities; and which is much more advantage to
them, affords a passage for merchants hither, and from hence to vent their merchandises to all parts of the
world. It is the best neighbour they have, and the branches and arms of it run through most of their streets by
their doors, to the great advantage of their commerce; and although sometimes, upon an extraordinary rising
of the Elbe to a 366 great flood, these branches of it cover the lower rooms of the houses near them, to the
damage of some owners, yet it makes amends by the constant benefit which it brings with it. The buildings
here are all of brick, only some few of brick and timber put together, and are generally fashioned and used as
is before described touching the Lübeck houses.
The district or territory belonging to the town is in some places two, in others three, in some more, German
miles distant from the city, in which precinct they have the jurisdiction and revenue; and near the town are
many pleasant little houses and seats, with gardens and accommodations, belonging to the citizens, to refresh
themselves and their wives and children in the summer-time, to take the fresh country air, and to have a
diversion for their health and pleasure. It may be said of this town, that God hath withheld nothing from them
for their good. They have plenty of provisions, health, profit, and pleasure, to their full contentment, in a
peaceable and just government, with freedom, strength in their magazines, fortifications, and bodies of men
for their defence and protection, conveniences for their habitation and commerce, and, which is above all, a
liberty to know the will of and to worship God, for the health of their own souls.
June 13, 1654.

The Diet of Germany. This morning Whitelocke returned a visit to the Swedes’ Ambassador,
Bernelow, at his lodging, where he learnt of him the manner of the sitting of the General Diet of Germany, at
which he was present:—That they have three colleges or chambers: the first is 367 the College of the
Electors, where they only assemble; the second is the College of the Princes, where the Archbishops, Bishops,
Dukes, Graves, and Barons meet, to the number of about one hundred and forty; the third is the College of the
Free Cities, where their Deputies, about two hundred, do meet. When they consult, the Chancellor of the
Empire, the Archbishop of Mentz, sends the proposal in writing to each college severally. When they are
respectively agreed, then all the colleges meet together in the great hall, at the upper end whereof is a chair of
state for the Emperor. On the right-hand of the chair the Electors sit, on the left-hand the principal officers of
the Emperor’s court; on the right side of the hall, upon seats, are the Ecclesiastic Princes, Bishops, and
Abbots; on the left-hand are the Temporal Princes, upon their seats; and on the seats below, one before
another, are the Deputies of the towns.
The Archbishop of Mentz, as Marshal of the College of the Electors, begins and reads the proposal, and the
resolution thereupon in writing of that college; after him, the Marshal of the College of the Princes doth the
like; and lastly, the Marshal of the College of the Free Towns, who is always the chief magistrate of the place
where the Diet sits. If the resolution of the three colleges agrees, or of the College of the Electors and one
other of the colleges, the business is determined accordingly; if the colleges do not thus agree, then they meet
all together and debate the matter; whereupon, if they come not to an accord, the business is remitted to
another day, or the suffrage of the Emperor decides it.
June 13, 1654. 164

Whitelocke asked him, whether the advice of the 368 Diet, being the supreme public council, were binding to
the Emperor. He said, that the Emperor seldom did anything contrary to that advice, but held himself bound in
prudence, if not in duty, to conform thereunto. Whitelocke asked him what opinion they had in the
Emperor’s court of the present King of Sweden. He answered, as was expected, and most true, that
they have a great opinion of the King, especially for military affairs. Upon Whitelocke’s invitation, he
did him the honour to dine with him, and they had much and good discourse together.
Visit of M. Woolfeldt’s brother-in-law. In the afternoon Whitelocke received a visit from Monsieur
Hannibal Schestedt, whose wife was sister to Woolfeldt’s lady, one of the daughters of the late King of
Denmark by his second wife,—as they term it, his left-handed wife; this relation, and his own good
parts, brought him in high esteem with the King, his brother-in-law, till by jealousies (particularly, as was
said, in some matters of mistresses), distaste and disfavour was against him, and he was put out of his office
of Viceroy of Norway, and other advantages; upon which he retired himself into these parts, and lived upon a
pension of six thousand dollars yearly, allowed by the King unto his lady. Whitelocke found him a gentleman
of excellent behaviour and abilities, which he had improved by his travels in most countries of Europe, and
had gained perfectly the French, Italian, Dutch, English, and Latin tongues. His discourse was full of
ingenuity and cheerfulness, and very free touching his own country and King, on whom he would somewhat
reflect; and he spoke much of the Queen of Sweden’s resignation, which he much condemned, and as
much extolled the assuming of the 369 Government by the Protector of England, and said he had a design
shortly to see England, and desired Whitelocke, that when he came into England he would move to the
Protector to give him leave to come into England to serve the Protector, which he would willingly do, being
forbid his own country; but he prayed Whitelocke, that none might know of this his purpose but the Protector
only. He told Whitelocke, that Williamson, the King of Denmark’s Ambassador now in England, had
been his servant, etc.
When Monsieur Schestedt was gone, Whitelocke wrote to Secretary Thurloe, and to his other friends in
England, to give them an account of his being come thus far in his voyage homewards, and of the two frigates
being arrived in the Elbe, that as soon as the wind would serve he would hasten for England.
A banquet to Whitelocke. The Resident invited Whitelocke and several Senators to a collation this evening,
whither came the four Burgomasters, and five other Senators; a thing unusual for so many of them to meet a
foreign public minister, the custom being in such case to depute two or three of their body, and no more; but
they were willing to do more than ordinary honour to Whitelocke. And of these nine Senators every one spoke
French or Latin, and some both, a thing rare enough for aldermen of a town; but the reason of it was given,
because here, for the most part, they choose into those places doctors and licentiates of the laws, which
employments they willingly accept, being for life, attended with great authority, and a salary of a thousand
crowns yearly, besides other profits. They had a banquet and store of wine; and the Senators discoursed much
with Whitelocke touching England, and the successes 370 of the Parliament party, and the many
thanksgivings for them; of which they had heard with admiration, and commended the return of thanks to
God.
Upon this occasion, Whitelocke gave them an account of many particulars, and of God’s goodness to
them, and exhorted these gentlemen, in all their affairs, to put their trust in God, to be thankful for his mercies,
and not to do anything contrary to his will. They asked how the Parliament could get money enough to pay
their forces. Whitelocke told them that the people afforded money sufficient to defray the public charges both
by sea and land; and that no soldiers were paid and disciplined, nor officers better rewarded, than those who
have served the Parliament.
Whitelocke asked them concerning the religion professed among them, and of their government and trade,
wherein they gave him good information; and he told them he hoped that the agreement made by this city with
the merchants, his countrymen, would be carefully observed, and the privileges accorded to them be
June 13, 1654. 165

continued, which would be acceptable to the Protector. They answered, that they had been very careful, and
should be so still, that on their part the agreement should be exactly observed. They desired Whitelocke to
speak to the Protector in favour of a ship belonging to this town, in which were some moneys belonging to
Hollanders, and taken by the English two years since. Whitelocke promised to move the Protector in it, and
assured them that his Highness would cause right to be done to them.
At this collation Whitelocke ate very little, and drank only one glass of Spanish wine, and one glass of small
beer, which was given him by a stranger, 371 whom he never saw before nor after, and the beer seemed at that
instant to be of a very bad taste and colour; nor would he inquire what it was, his own servants being taken
forth by the Resident’s people in courtesy to entertain them.371 After he came to his lodging he was
taken very ill, and grew worse and worse, extreme sick, with pains like the strokes of daggers, which put him
in mind of a former passage; and his torment was so great that it was scarcely to be endured, the most violent
that he ever felt.
He was not well after his journey from Lübeck to Hamburg, having been extremely jolted in the coach in that
way full of holes and sloughs, made by their great carriages in time of the war, and not yet amended: his
weariness when he came to Hamburg reprieved his pain, which highly increased this evening; and the last of
his ill beer still remained with him.
June 14, 1654.

Whitelocke’s indisposition. The fierce torment continued on Whitelocke above thirteen hours together
without intermission. About four o’clock this morning his secretary Earle was called to him, who
waited on him with care and sadness to see his torment; nature helped, by vomits and otherwise, to give some
ease, but the sharpness of his pain continued. About five o’clock this morning Dr. Whistler was called
to him, who gave him several sorts of physic, and amongst the rest a drink with a powder and a great quantity
of oil of sweet almonds, suspecting, by the manner of his sickness and some of 372 the symptoms, that he
might have had poison given him, which was the jealousy of most about him; and whether it were so or not
the Lord only knows, who nevertheless in his goodness preserved Whitelocke, and blessed the means for his
recovery. The drink working contrary to what was intended, and turning to a vomit, the doctor, perceiving the
operation of nature to be that way, followed by giving of vomits, which within two hours gave some ease and
brought him to a little slumber, and in a few hours after to recovery. Thus it pleased God to exercise him, and
to cast him down for a little time; and when he had no expectation but of present death in a strange land, God
was pleased suddenly, and above imagination, to restore and recover him; the which, and all other the mercies
of God, he prays may, by him and his, be thankfully remembered.
A doctor of physic, a Jew in this town, hearing of Whitelocke’s being sick, came to his lodging, and
meeting with Dr. Whistler, told him in Latin, that, understanding the English Ambassador to be dangerously
sick, and to have no physician about him but a young inexperienced man, therefore this Jew came to offer his
service. Dr. Whistler, smiling, told Whitelocke of this rencounter, who presently sent his thanks and discharge
to the Jewish doctor. Several Senators came and sent to inquire of Whitelocke’s health, and to know if
he wanted anything in their power to supply him for his recovery, and offered the physicians of the town to
wait upon him. He returned thanks, but kept himself to the advice and care of his own doctor, whose
endeavours it pleased God to bless, so that in two days Whitelocke was abroad again.
373 Feast given by the English Company. The English Company had invited divers to bear Whitelocke
company at dinner this day, where they had a very great feast, and present at it the four Burgomasters and ten
Senators. So many of that number had scarce been seen at any former entertainment; which though purposely
made to do Whitelocke honour, yet his sickness had brought him to an incapacity of bearing them company;
but whilst they were at the table, Whitelocke sent his secretary to the Resident, praying him to make his
June 14, 1654. 166

apology to the Lords, that extremity of sickness the night before had prevented him of the honour of
accompanying them at this meeting; that being now somewhat recovered, he sent now to present his hearty
thanks to their lordships for this great favour they had done him, wished them all health, and entreated them to
be cheerful. The Lords returned thanks to Whitelocke for his civility, and about an hour after the Resident
came to Whitelocke from the Lords to see how he did, to thank him for his compliment, and to know if,
without inconvenience, they might be admitted to come to his chamber to see him. Whitelocke said he should
be glad to see them, but privately told the Resident that he hoped they would not stay long with him by reason
of his indisposition.
The Senators sat at the table from twelve o’clock at noon till six o’clock in the evening,
according to the fashion of Dutchland, and were very merry, wanting no good meat or wine, nor sparing it.
About six o’clock they rose from dinner, and came to Whitelocke’s chamber to visit him, with
many compliments, expressing their sorrow for his sickness, their wishes for his health, and offers of anything
in their power 374 which might contribute to his recovery. Whitelocke used them with all civility, and heartily
thanked them for this extraordinary honour they had done him, by so many of their lordships affording him
the favour of meeting at this place, and excused by his violent sickness his not bearing them company. After
many compliments and a short stay they left his chamber, praying for the recovery of his health again.
Among this company of fourteen senators were no young men, but all grave and comely persons; and every
one of them did particularly speak to Whitelocke, either in French or Latin, and some in both, which were
hard to be met with in so many aldermen of towns in other countries. Divers of them staid in the English
house till nine o’clock at night, making a very long repast of nine hours together; but it was to testify
the more particular respect and honour to the English Ambassador, and is according to the usage of these
parts, where, at such public entertainments, they eat and drink heartily, and seldom part in less than ten or
twelve hours, cheerfully conversing together. Whitelocke took great contentment in the civility and respects of
these and other gentlemen to him in this place, and in the affection, care, and attendance of his children,
friends, and servants, about him in his sickness.
June 15, 1654.

The ecclesiastical state of Hamburg. The Lords sent a gentleman to inquire of Whitelocke’s health,
with compliments as before. He took some physic, yet admitted visits and discourse, from which, and those he
formerly had with Senators and others, he learned that as to matter of religion they 375 are here very strict to
maintain a unity thereof, being of Plutarch’s opinion, that “varietas religionis, dissolutio
religionis;” and they permit no other religion to be publicly exercised by their own citizens among
them but what in their government they do profess, which is according to the Augsburg confession; and
Luther’s opinions do wholly take place among them, insomuch that the exercise of religion in any
other form or way is not admitted, except to the English Company of Merchants in the chapel of their house,
and that by stipulation. Thus every one who differs from them in matters of religion must keep his opinion to
himself, without occasioning any disturbance to the Government by practice or publication of such different
opinion; and although many are inclined to the tenets of Calvin, yet their public profession is wholly
Lutheran; answerable whereunto Whitelocke observed in their churches many images, crucifixes, and the like
(not far removed from the practice of the Popish churches); particularly in their great church, which is fair and
large, built with brick, are many images, rare tablets of painting, crucifixes, and a perspective of curious
workmanship in colours. Their liturgy (as ours in England was) is extracted from the old Mass-book, and their
divine service celebrated with much ceremony, music, and outward reverence. Their ministers are pensioners,
but, as themselves affirm, liberally dealt with, and have bountiful allowances if they are holy men and good
preachers; whereof they much satisfy themselves that they are very well provided in this city, to the comfort
and blessing of the inhabitants.
June 15, 1654. 167

The trade of Hamburg. Touching the trade of this place, Whitelocke learnt 376 that as they are very populous,
so few are suffered in idleness, but employed in some way or other of trading, either as merchants, artificers,
shopkeepers, or workmen. They have an exchange here, though not a fair one, where they daily meet and
confer about their affairs and contracts.
The several branches and arms of the river Elbe, which pass along by their houses, afford them the better
means and advantages for bringing in and carrying forth their commodities. There is a partition between the
old and the new town; the old is but a small part of it, and few merchants reside there. The ships of greatest
burden come up within two miles of the city; the lesser ships, whereof there be a great number, and the great
boats, come up within the town to the very doors of their houses, by the branches of the Elbe, to the great
advantage of their trading.
This city is much greater than Lübeck, fuller of trade and wealth, and better situated for commerce, being
nearer to England, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and all the southern and western parts; and they are not to
pass the Sound in coming home again. The staple of English cloth is here, and the cloths being brought hither
for the most part white, it sets on work many hundreds of their people to dress and dye and fit them; and the
inhabitants of all Germany and other countries do send and buy their cloth here. At this time of
Whitelocke’s being here, there lay in the Elbe four English ships which brought cloth hither; one of
them carried twenty-five pieces of ordnance, the least fifteen, all of good force; and the English cloth at this
time in them was estimated to be worth £200,000 sterling.
377 In consideration of this trade and the staple of English cloth settled here, which brings wealth to this city,
the Government here hath granted great privileges to the English merchants residing in this place, and they are
part of the company or corporation of Merchant Adventurers of England,—an ancient and honourable
society, of which Whitelocke had the favour honorarily to be here admitted a member.
June 16, 1654.

The judicial institutions of Hamburg. Whitelocke, being, through the goodness of God, well recovered of his
distemper, went abroad this day, and was shown the Town-house, which is a fair and handsome building, of
the like fashion, but more large and beautiful, than that at Lübeck, and much better furnished. Here are many
chambers for public councils and tribunals; some of them have their pillars covered with copper, and
pavements of Italian marble; they have also rich hangings, and chairs of velvet, blue, and green, and rare
pictures. The Chamber of Audience, as they call it, is the court of justice, where the Right-herrs, who are in
the nature of sheriffs, do sit to despatch and determine the causes of the citizens; and if the cause exceed the
value of a hundred dollars, an appeal lies to the Senate, as it doth also in all causes criminal.
From the Senate there is no appeal in cases of obligations, letters of exchange, contracts, debts, and matters of
merchandise, but therein a speedy remedy is given for the advantage of trade; but in all other cases, where the
value exceeds a thousand dollars, and in all causes capital, an appeal lies to the Imperial Chamber: and in the
judicatories of the city, the proceedings 378 are according to the municipal laws and customs thereof, which
nevertheless have great affinity with the Imperial civil laws, especially in the forms and manner of
proceedings; and in cases where the municipal laws and customs are defective, there the proceedings are
according to the civil law. They do not proceed by juries of twelve men to try the fact; but the parties
contending are heard on both sides, either in person or by their advocates or proctors, as they please, and the
witnesses on either side are examined upon oath; after which, the judges taking serious consideration of the
whole matter and of all circumstances and proofs therein, at a set time they pronounce their sentence; and
commonly the whole process and business is determined in the space of three weeks, except in cases where an
appeal is brought. The judges sit in court usually twice in every week, unless in festival times, when they keep
vacations, and with them their holidays are not juridical: their equal and speedy administration of justice is
June 16, 1654. 168

commended both by their own people and by strangers who have occasion to make trial of it.
Municipal Government of Hamburg. Their public government, by which their peace is preserved, disorders
restrained, and men kept from being wolves to one another, makes them the more to flourish, and consists of
four Consuls or Burgomasters and twenty other Senators, of whom twelve were called Overholts, and the
other twelve Ricks-herrs. Upon the death or removal of any Senator, the choice of a new one is with the rest
of the Senators. The choice of the Overholts is by the people, and they are as tribunes of the people; they have
power to control the Senate through the supreme magistracy, but they do 379 it with all respect and
tenderness, and no new law is made nor tax imposed without their consent. But the execution of the present
laws, and the government of the people, and the last appeal in the city, is left unto the Senate; as also
negotiations with foreigners, the entertainments and ceremonies with strangers, and generally the care of the
safety of their State.
In cases of extraordinary concernment, as of war and peace, levying of money, making of new laws, and
matters of extraordinary weight and consideration, of which the Senate are not willing to take the burden
wholly upon themselves, or to undergo the envy or hazard of the consequences thereof; in such cases the
Senate causeth the Overholt to be assembled, and, as the weight of the business may be, sometimes they cause
to be summoned an assembly of the whole body of the burgesses of the city, before whom the business in the
general is propounded, and they are desired by the Senate to make choice of some deputies, to be joined to the
Senate and to assist them in the matters proposed. Then the whole body of the freemen do commonly make
choice of eight, sometimes more and sometimes fewer, as they please, out of their own number, and these
deputies have full power given to them by this assembly to despatch and determine, together with the Senate
and the Overholt, their matters thus proposed to the general consideration of that public assembly; and what
this Council thus constituted do resolve in these matters, the same is put in execution accordingly, obligeth,
and is freely submitted unto by all the citizens, who look upon themselves by this their election of deputies to
have their own consents involved in what their deputies determine.
380 In the evening Mr. Stetkin, with whom Whitelocke had been acquainted in England, when he was there, a
servant of the late King for his private music, wherein he was excellent, came to Whitelocke, and with
Maylard, one of Whitelocke’s servants, made very good music for his diversion.
This day the wind came about reasonable good for Whitelocke’s voyage, who thereupon ordered the
captains away to their frigates and his people to prepare all things in readiness for his departure tomorrow; his
baggage was carried down and put on board the frigates. He gave his most hearty and solemn thanks to the
Resident, and to all the gentleman of the English Company of Merchants here, who had very nobly and
affectionately entertained Whitelocke at their own charge all the time of his being in this city. He ordered his
gratuities to be distributed among their servants and to all who had done any service or offices for him, both
of the English house and of the townsmen, and ordered all things to be in readiness to proceed in his voyage.
June 17, 1654.

Whitelocke takes leave of the Senate. The baggage and inferior servants of Whitelocke being gone down
before unto the frigates, and the wind being indifferent good, Whitelocke resolved this day to set forwards in
his voyage, and to endeavour, if he could, before night to reach the frigates, which did attend his coming in
the Elbe about Glückstadt. The Resident had provided boats for Whitelocke and his company to go down unto
the frigates, and had given notice to some of the Senators of Whitelocke’s 381 intention to remove this
day; whereupon Monsieur Müller, the chief Burgomaster of the town, came to Whitelocke’s lodging in
the morning to visit him and to inquire of his health, as one that bare a particular respect to him, and was now
come to take his leave of him. He was a wise and sober man, and of good conversation, and testified much
respect to the Protector and Commonwealth of England, and much honour to Whitelocke in particular. Whilst
June 17, 1654. 169

he was with Whitelocke, the two Senators who came first to Whitelocke to bid him welcome hither, came now
also to him from the Senate, to bid him farewell. The elder of them spake to Whitelocke to this
effect:—
“The Senate hath commanded us in their name to salute your Excellence, and to give you thanks for
taking in good part the small testimonies of their respect towards you, which they are ashamed were no better,
and entreat your pardon for it.
“They understand that your Excellence is upon your departure from this town, which gives them great
cause of sadness, as they had of joy at your arrival here; but since it is your good pleasure, and your great
affairs oblige you to depart, all that we can do is to pray to God for your safe arrival in your own country, and
we doubt not but that the same God who hath hitherto preserved you in a long and perilous voyage, will
continue his goodness to you in the remainder of your journey.
“We have a humble request to make to your Excellence, that you will give us leave to recommend our
town to your patronage, and that you would be pleased to peruse these papers, which concern some of our
citizens; and that your Excellence will be a means to my Lord Protector and to the Court of Admiralty, that
justice and favour may be shown to them.”
382 As this gentleman spake of the testimonies of respect from this city to Whitelocke, he looked back to the
table, upon which stood a piece of plate covered with sarsenet. A little after the Senator had done speaking,
Whitelocke answered him to this purpose:—
“Gentlemen,
“I have cause to acknowledge that God hath been very good and gracious to me, and to all my
company, throughout our whole voyage unto this place; for which we desire to bless His name, and hope that
He will be pleased to continue His goodness to us in the rest of our journey. I desire you to return my hearty
thanks to my Lords the Senators, who have honoured me with their very great respects during the whole time
of my being with them, and have bestowed noble testimonies thereof upon me. I shall not fail to inform the
Protector, my master, hereof, to whom, and to the Commonwealth of England, this respect is given in my
person.
“I have received much contentment in my being here, not only by the sight of so fair and flourishing a
city as this is, so well fortified, and manned, and traded, and governed, but in your civilities, and the honour I
have had to be acquainted with your worthy magistrates. And I have had a singular satisfaction to understand
from my countrymen living amongst you that their privileges are by you entirely continued to them, which I
recommend to you as a thing most acceptable to my Lord Protector, who takes care of the whole
Commonwealth, and will expect that I give him an account of what concerns the English merchants and their
commerce in this place. The wind being now good, I am obliged, according to the commands of the Protector,
my master, forthwith to return for England, and do resolve this day to proceed in my voyage towards my
ships. I hope my God will conduct me in safety to the place where I would be, and where I shall have the 383
opportunity to testify my gratitude to the Lords and people of this city, and to take care of those affairs
wherein they may be concerned, which I esteem as an honour to me.”
Presents of the Senate. After Whitelocke had done speaking, the Senators, with the accustomed ceremonies,
took their leaves of him. The piece of plate which they now presented to him was a vessel of silver, like a little
cabinet, wrought with bosses of beautiful figures, curious and rich, of the value, as some prized it, of about
£150 sterling. Whitelocke was somewhat surprised with this present of plate, and doubtful whether he should
June 17, 1654. 170

accept it or not; but considering that it was only a testimony of their respects to the Protector; and as to
Whitelocke, he was not capable of doing them service or prejudice, but as their affairs should deserve; and if
he should refuse this present, it would be ill taken by the Lords. Upon these considerations, and the advice of
the Resident and other friends, Whitelocke took it, and returned his hearty thanks for it.
Another Senator, one Monsieur Samuel, hearing that Whitelocke had a little son at home, sent him a little
horse for a present, the least that one hath seen, yet very handsome, and managed to the great saddle, which
Whitelocke brought home with him; so full of civility and courtesy were the magistrates of this place.
After much difficulty to get away, and the earnest request of the Resident and English merchants to the
contrary, entreating him to stay longer, yet Whitelocke kept his resolution to leave the town; and boats being
in readiness, he went down to the water-side, accompanied with a great number of his countrymen and his
own people, and took his boats to go down 384 the Elbe to his ships. The Resident and some others went in
his boat with him. Vice-Admiral Clerke would not yet leave him, saying that Wrangel had commanded him to
see Whitelocke on board the English frigates, either for a compliment or desiring to see the frigates, which
were so much discoursed on in these parts, and thereby to be enabled to give an account to Wrangel of the
dimensions and make of them, which he longed to know.
Whitelocke embarks in boats on the Elbe, The boat in which Whitelocke went was large, but not convenient,
open, and went only with sails. The streets, as he passed to the water-side, and the windows, and on the
bridges, were full of people to see him as he went, and gave him courteous salutations at his farewell. In his
own boat he had six trumpets, which sounded all along as he passed through the city and the haven, which
was then very full of ships, and they also very civil to make way for Whitelocke’s boats. Upon the
bridges and bulwarks which he went by were guards of soldiers in arms; and the bulwarks on that side saluted
him with all their cannon, about twenty-one pieces, though they used not to give strangers above two or three
guns. Thus Whitelocke parted from this city of Hamburg, recommending himself and his company to the
blessing and protection of the Almighty.
A little below the city they came by a small village called by them All to nah (Altona), that is, “All too
nigh,” being the King of Denmark’s territory, within half a league, which they thought too near
their city. When they came a little lower, with a sudden strong blast of wind the boat in which Whitelocke
was, was in great danger of being overset; after which it grew 385 to be a calm; whereupon Whitelocke sent to
the English cloth-ships, which lay a little below, to lend him some of their ship-boats and mariners with oars,
to make better way than his boat with sails could do. This they did readily; and as Whitelocke passed by them,
they all saluted him with their cannon.
but lands at Stadt. Having changed their boats and discharged the great ones, they went more cheerfully down
the river till they came within half a league of the town of Stadt; when being almost dark, and the mariners not
accustomed to the river out of the channel, the boat in which Whitelocke was, struck upon the sand, and was
fast there. Presently the English mariners, seven or eight of them, leaped out of the boat into the river,
“up to their chins, and by strength removed the boat from off the sands again; and they came to their
oars again, within an English mile of Stadt, when it was very late, and the boats were two German miles from
the frigates, and the tide turning. Whitelocke thought it impossible to reach his ships this night, and not
prudent to proceed with unexperienced men upon this dangerous river by night; and understanding by General
Potley, and one of the trumpets who had been formerly here, of a house upon the river that goes to Stadt,
within a quarter of a mile of the place where they now were, Whitelocke ordered the mariners to make to that
house, who, with much difficulty, found out the mouth of the river; but for want of water, being low tide, they
had much trouble to get the boat up to the cruise, or in there. The master of the house had been a soldier and a
cook; he prepared a supper for them of salt eels, salt salmon, and a little poultry, which was made better by the
meat 386 and wine that the Resident brought with him; yet all little enough when the rest of
Whitelocke’s company, in three other boats, came to the same house, though they could not know of
June 17, 1654. 171

Whitelocke being there; but he was very ill himself, and this was a bad quarter for him, who had been so
lately very sick at Hamburg; yet he contented himself without going to bed. His sons and company had some
fresh straw, and God in his wonted mercy still preserved him and his company. The host sent word to his
General, Koningsmark, that the English Ambassador was at his house this night.
June 18, 1654.

Embarks in the President. Whitelocke resolved to remove from the cruise early this morning, and the rather
because he was informed that Koningsmark intended to come hither this morning to visit him, which
Whitelocke did not desire, in regard of the late accident at Bremen, where Koningsmark was governor, and
that his conferring with him, upon his immediate return from Sweden, might give some jealousy to those of
Bremen, or to the Hanse Towns, or some of the German Princes thereabouts. Whitelocke therefore held it best
to take no notice of Koningsmark’s intention to come and visit him, but to avoid that meeting by going
early from hence this morning; which he had the more reason to do because of his bad entertainment here, and
for that the tide served betimes this morning to get out of this river. He therefore caused his people to make
ready about two o’clock this morning, and took boat within an hour after, the weather being very fair
and the country pleasant. On the right-hand 387 was Holstein, on the left-hand was the Duchy of Lüneburg,
and below that the Bishopric of Bremen; in which this river comes from Stadt near unto Bremen, more
considerable heretofore when it was the staple for the English cloth, but left by our merchants many years
since, partly because they held themselves not well treated by the inhabitants of Stadt, and partly by the
inconvenientness of this river to bring up their cloth to that town.
Two miles from this cruise Whitelocke came to the frigates, where they lay at anchor. He himself went on
board the ‘President,’ who, at his entry, saluted him with above forty guns, the
‘Elizabeth’ but with twenty-one, and her Captain, Minnes, came on board to Whitelocke to
excuse it, because, not knowing Whitelocke’s time of coming hither, he had no more guns ready to bid
him welcome.
Glückstadt. Right against the frigates lay the fort and town of Glückstadt, that is Luckystadt, or Lucky Town.
Whitelocke being desirous to take a view of it and of the fortifications, and his baggage not being yet come to
the frigates, he with the Resident and several others went over in one of the ship’s boats to see it. The
town is situate in a marsh, having no hill near to command it. The fortifications about it are old, yet in good
repair. It belongs to the King of Denmark, as Duke of Holstein, and he keeps a garrison there at the mouth of a
river running into the Elbe, like that of Stadt. The late King of Denmark built there a blockhouse in the great
river upon piles, to the end he might command the ships passing that way, but the Elbe being there above a
league in breadth, the ships may well pass notwithstanding that fort.
388 At Whitelocke’s landing in the town, which is about a bow-shot from the mouth of the river, he
sent to acquaint the Governor therewith, and that he desired only to see the town and then to return to his
ships. The Governor sent a civil answer, that he was sorry he could not accompany Whitelocke, to show him
the town, by reason of his being sick, but that he had sent one of his officers to show him the fortifications,
and desired him to command anything in the town; for which civility Whitelocke returned thanks.
The town is not great nor well-built, but of brick, and some of the houses very fair; chiefly one which they call
the King’s house, which might fit an English knight to dwell in. The town seems decaying, and the
fortifications also in some places. The late King designed to have made this a great town of trade, and by that
means to have diminished, if not ruined, his neighbours the Hamburgers; to whom this King having done
some injuries, and endeavouring to build a bridge over the Elbe near to Hamburg, to hinder the ships coming
up thither, and their trade, the citizens pulled it down again, and came with about twenty vessels to Glückstadt
upon a design against that town; but the King’s ships of war being there, the Admiral of Hamburg cut
June 18, 1654. 172

his anchors and returned home in haste. The King’s men got up the anchors, and at this time
Whitelocke saw them hung up in their church as great trophies of a small victory thus easily gained. At
Whitelocke’s return, Glückstadt saluted him with three pieces of cannon.
When he was come back to his ships he found all his people and baggage come up to him, whereupon 389 he
resolved to weigh anchor the first opportunity of wind serving, and gave orders accordingly to his captains.
The Resident Bradshaw, Vice-Admiral Clerke, the treasurer and secretary of the English Company at
Hamburg, who accompanied Whitelocke to his ships, now the tide serving, took their leaves of him, with
much respect and wishes of a happy voyage to him; and so they parted.
The wind came to north-east, flat contrary to Whitelocke’s course, and rose high, with violent storms
and much rain, so that it was not possible for Whitelocke to weigh anchor and proceed in his voyage; but he
had cause to thank God that he was in a safe and good harbour.
June 19, 1654.

The wind continued very tempestuous and contrary to Whitelocke’s course, so that he could not budge,
but lay still at anchor. The mariners, in their usual way of sporting, endeavoured to make him some pastime,
to divert the tediousness of his stay and of the bad weather. He learned that at Glückstadt the Hamburgers pay
a toll to the King of Denmark, who submit thereunto as other ships do, rather than enter into a contest or war
with that King.
Whitelocke writes to the Queen of Sweden. Whitelocke thought it becoming him in civility and gratitude to
give an account by letters to the Queen of Sweden of his proceeding thus far in his voyage, for which purpose
he had written his letters at Hamburg, and now having too much leisure, he made them up and sent them to
Vice-Admiral Clerke to be presented to the Queen. The letters were to this effect:—
390 “A sa Sérénissime Majesté Christine, Reine de Suède.
“Madame,
“Les grandes faveurs que j’ai reçues de votre Majesté m’obligent à lui rendre compte de
ce qui me touche, celui en qui vous avez beaucoup d’intérêt. Et puisque par votre faveur, sous Dieu,
j’ai déjà surmonté les difficultés de la plus grande moitié du voyage que j’ai à faire par mer,
j’ai pris la hardiesse d’entretenir votre Majesté de mon succès jusqu’en ce lieu. Le
premier de Juin, le beau navire ‘Amaranta’ nous fit flotter sur la Baltique, et nonobstant les
calmes, le vent contraire, et un terrible orage qui nous exercèrent, par l’adresse de l’Amiral
Clerc, du Capitaine Sinclair (de l’honnêteté, respect, et soin desquels envers moi et ma suite, je suis
redevable, comme de mille autres faveurs, à votre Majesté), comme par l’obéissance du navire à ses
experts conducteurs, nous mîmes pied à terre à Tremon, le port de Lubec, Mercredi le 7 Juin. Samedi nous
arrivâmes à Hambourg, où je suis à présent, dans la maison des Anglais. Ce matin j’ai pensé ne voir
point le soir, ayant été travaillé d’un mal soudain, et tempête horrible qui m’a cuidé renverser
dans ce port. Mais il a plu à Dieu me remettre en bonne mesure, ainsi j’espère que je ne serai empêché
d’achever mon voyage. Je prie Dieu qu’il préserve votre Majesté, et qu’il me rende si
heureux, qu’étant rendu en mon pays, j’aie l’opportunité selon mon petit pouvoir de
témoigner en effet que je suis
“De votre Majesté
“Le très-humble et obéissant serviteur,
June 19, 1654. 173

“B. Whitelocke.
“Juin 14, 1654.”
June 20, 1654.

Whitelocke detained by contrary winds. The wind continued in the same quarter as before, very high and
contrary to Whitelocke’s course, both the last night and this morning, which gave him and 391 his
company much trouble; but they must submit to the time and good pleasure of God.
About five o’clock this morning (an unusual hour for visits) Mr. Schestedt came on board
Whitelocke’s ship from Glückstadt, whither he came the day before by land. They had much discourse
together, wherein this gentleman is copious, most of it to the same effect as at his former visits at Hamburg.
He told Whitelocke of the Lord Wentworth’s being at Hamburg and his carriage there, and that he
spake with respect towards the Protector and towards Whitelocke, but was full of wishes of ruin to the
Protector’s party. Whitelocke inquired of him touching the levies of soldiers by the Princes in the
Lower Saxony now in action, with whom Mr. Schestedt was very conversant. He said that the present levies
were no other than such as those Princes made the last year, and usually make every year for their own
defence in case there should be any occasion, and that he knew of no design extraordinary. Whitelocke asked
him several questions about this matter, that he might be able to give information thereof to the Protector; but
either there was nothing, or this gentleman would discover nothing in it. He was entertained in
Whitelocke’s cabin at breakfast, where he fed and drank wine heartily, and at his going away
Whitelocke gave him twenty-one guns, and ordered the ‘Elizabeth’ to give him nineteen, and
sent him to shore in one of his ship-boats. The wind being very high, and not changing all this day, to the
trouble of Whitelocke and hindrance of his voyage.
In the evening, a messenger from Monsieur Schestedt brought to Whitelocke these letters:—
392 “Monseigneur,
“Votre Excellence aura reçu, par un de ses serviteurs, un petit billet de moi partant de Glückstadt, sur
ce qu’avions parlé, suppliant très-humblement votre Excellence d’en avoir soin sans aucun
bruit. Et si la commodité de votre Excellence le permettra, je vous supplie de vouloir écrire un mot de lettre au
Résident d’ici pour mieux jouir de sa bonne conversation sur ce qui concerne la correspondance avec
votre Excellence; et selon que votre Excellence m’avisera je me gouvernerai exactement, me fiant
entièrement à la générosité de votre Excellence, et m’obligeant en homme d’honneur de vivre
et mourir,
“Monseigneur, de votre Excellence
“Très-humble et très-obéissant serviteur,
“Hannibal Schestedt.
“20 Juin, 1654.
“Votre Excellence aura mille remercîmens de l’honneur reçu par ces canonades, et excusera
pour ma disgrace de n’avoir été répondu.”
To these letters Whitelocke sent this answer:—
June 20, 1654. 174

“Monseigneur,
“Je n’ai rien par voie de retour que mes humbles remercîmens pour le grand honneur que vous
m’avez fait, par vos très-agréables visites, tant à Hambourg qu’en ce lieu, comme aussi en
m’envoyant ce noble gentilhomme qui m’a apporté les lettres de votre Excellence. Je ne
manquerai pas, quand il plaira à Dieu me ramener en Angleterre, de contribuer tout ce qui sera en mon
pouvoir pour votre service, et j’espère que l’issue en sera à votre contentement, et que dans peu
de temps je saurai vous rendre bon compte de ce dont vous me faites mention en vos lettres. Ce petit
témoignage du respect que je porte à votre Excellence, que je rendis à votre départ de mon vaisseau, et
qu’il vous plaît honorer de votre estime, ne mérite pas que vous en teniez 393 aucun compte; je serai
joyeux de vous témoigner par meilleurs effets que je suis
“De votre Excellence
“Le très-humble et très-obéissant serviteur,
“B. Whitelocke.
“A bord le Président, Rade de Glückstadt,

20 Juin, 1654.”
Many other letters passed between them, not necessary for a recital.
June 21, 1654.

Still detained by the wind. The wind continued in the same quarter as before, very high, and contrary to
Whitelocke’s course. The English cloth-ships came down to him, desiring to be in his squadron
homewards. Whitelocke knew no reason why his ships might not as well have fallen down lower in the river
as these; about which he consulted with the officers and pilot of his ship, who agreed that this morning, the
wind being come a little more moderate, the ships might have fallen down with the tide, but that the time was
now neglected; which the officers excused because of the fog, which was so thick that they durst not
adventure to go down the river. He resolved, upon this, to take the next opportunity, and went aboard the
‘Elizabeth’ to see his company there, who were well accommodated.
Here a petition was presented to Whitelocke from two mariners in hold for speaking desperate
words,—that they would blow up the ship and all her company, and would cut the throat of the
Protector, and of ten thousand of his party. One of them confessed, in his petition, that he was drunk when he
spake these 394 words, and had no intention of the least harm to the ship, or to the Protector, or any of the
State; both of them acknowledged their fault, and humbly asked pardon. After Whitelocke had examined them
severally, and could get from them no confession of any plot against the Protector or State, but earnest
asseverations of their innocences; yet having news of a plot in England against the Protector and Government,
he held it not fit for him absolutely to release them; but, because he thought it only a business and words of
drunkenness, he ordered them to be had out of the hold, but their Captain to see that they should be
forthcoming at their arrival in England, that the Council, being acquainted herewith, might direct their
pleasure concerning them.
About noon the wind began again to blow with great tempestuousness, and flat contrary to
Whitelocke’s course. In the evening a gentleman came aboard Whitelocke’s ship, with letters
from Monsieur Schestedt from Glückstadt to the same effect, and with compliments as formerly, to which
Whitelocke returned a civil answer by the same messenger; and by him he also sent letters of compliment and
June 21, 1654. 175

thanks to the Resident Bradshaw, which likewise he prayed the Resident, in his name, to present to the
English Company of Merchants at Hamburg, for their very great civilities and noble respects to Whitelocke
while he was with them.
June 22, 1654.

A visit from Count Ranzau. The wind continued contrary and extraordinary violent all the last night and this
morning; and Whitelocke had cause to acknowledge the favour of God to 395 him, that during these rough
storms he was in a good harbour and had not put out into the open sea.
Early in the morning a gentleman came from Glückstadt on board to Whitelocke, and told him that Grave
Ranzau, the Governor of the Province of Holstein, had sent him to salute Whitelocke on his part, and to know
when he might conveniently come to Whitelocke; who answered that he should be always ready to entertain
his Excellence, but in regard the time was now so dangerous, he desired the Governor would not expose
himself to the hazard for his sake.
About an hour after came another, in the habit of a military officer, from the Grave to Whitelocke, to excuse
the Grave’s not coming by reason of the very ill weather, and that no boat was to be gotten fit to bring
the Grave from shore to Whitelocke’s ship; but he said, that if Whitelocke pleased to send his
ship-boats and mariners for the Governor, the wind being somewhat fallen, he would come and kiss his hand.
Whitelocke answered in French to the gentleman, who spake Dutch, and was interpreted in French, that he
was glad his Excellence was not in danger of the violent storms in coming on board to him this morning, but
he should esteem it great honour to see the Governor in his ship, and that not only the boats and mariners, but
all in the ship was at the service of his Excellence. The gentleman desired that one of the ship-boats and the
ship-mariners might carry him back to land, and so bring the Governor from thence to Whitelocke, who
commanded the same to be done. And about an hour after came the Grave Ranzau, a proper, comely person,
habited as a soldier, about forty years of age; with him was another lord, governor 396 of another province,
and three or four gentlemen, and other followers.
Whitelocke received them at the ship’s side, and at his entry gave him nine guns. The Grave seemed
doubtful to whom to make his application, Whitelocke being in a plain sea-gown of English grey baize; but
(as the Governor said afterwards) he knew him to be the Ambassador by seeing him with his hat on, and so
many brave fellows about him bareheaded. After salutations, the Governor spake to Whitelocke to this
effect:—
“Monseigneur,
“Le Roi de Danemarck, mon maître, m’a commandé de venir trouver votre Excellence, et de la
saluer de sa part, et la faire la bienvenue en ses hâvres, et lui faire savoir que s’il y a quelque chose
dans ce pays-là dont le gouvernement m’est confié par sa Majesté, qu’il est à son
commandement. Sa Majesté aussi a un extreme désir de voir votre Excellence, et de vous entretenir en sa
cour, désirant d’embrasser toutes les occasions par lesquelles il pourrait témoigner le respect
qu’il porte à son Altesse Monseigneur le Protecteur.”
Whitelocke answered in French to this purpose:—
“Monseigneur,
“Je rends grâces à sa Majesté le Roi de Danemarck, du respect qu’il lui à plu témoigner à sa
Sérénissime Altesse mon maître, et de l’honneur qu’il lui à plu faire à moi son serviteur, de
June 22, 1654. 176

quoi je ne manquerai pas d’informer son Altesse. Je suis aussi beaucoup obligé à votre Excellence
pour l’honneur de votre visite, qu’il vous plaît me donner en ce lieu, et principalement en un
temps si fâcheux. J’eusse aussi grande envie de baiser les mains de sa Majesté et de voir sa cour,
n’eût été que son Altesse a envoyé des navires exprès pour m’emporter d’ici en
Angleterre, et que j’ai ouï dire que le Roi a remué sa cour de Copenhague ailleurs, à cause de la peste.
Je suis très-joyeux d’entendre 397 de la santé de sa Majesté, auquel je souhaite toute sorte de
bonheur.”
Visit from the Dutch Agent. After many compliments, Whitelocke gave, him precedence into his cabin; and
after some discourse there, a servant of the Agent of Holland was brought in to Whitelocke, who said his
master desired Whitelocke to appoint a time when the Agent might come on board him to salute Whitelocke
and to kiss his hand. He answered that, at any hour when his master pleased to do Whitelocke that honour, he
should be welcome, and that some noble persons being now with him, who, he hoped, would do him the
favour to take part of a sea-dinner with him, that if it would please the Agent to do him the same favour, and
to keep these honourable persons company, it would be the greater obligation unto Whitelocke. The Grave,
hearing this, began to excuse himself, that he could not stay dinner with Whitelocke, but, upon entreaty, he
was prevailed with to stay.
About noon the Dutch Agent came in one of Whitelocke’s boats on board his ship, whom he received
at the ship’s side, and saluted with seven guns at his entry. The Agent spake to Whitelocke to this
purpose:—“That, passing by Glückstadt towards Hamburg, he was informed of
Whitelocke’s being in this place, and thereupon held it his duty, and agreeable to the will of his Lords,
not to proceed in his journey without first giving a visit to Whitelocke to testify the respect of his superiors to
the Protector and Commonwealth of England, as also to Whitelocke in particular.” Whitelocke
returned thanks to the Agent for the respect which he testified to the Protector, and for the honour done to
Whitelocke, and that it would be acceptable so the 398 Protector to hear of this respect from my Lords the
States to him, whereof he should not fail to inform his Highness when he should have the opportunity to be
near him.
Entertainment of Count Ranzau. The Grave went first into Whitelocke’s cabin, after him the Agent,
and then Whitelocke, who gave these guests a plentiful dinner on ship-board. The Grave desired that
Whitelocke’s sons might be called in to dine with them, which was done, and Whitelocke asked the
Grave if he would have any of his company to dine with him. He desired one of the gentlemen, who was
admitted accordingly.
They were served with the States’ plate, which Whitelocke had caused to be taken forth on this
occasion; and the strangers would often take up the plates and dishes to look on them, wondering to see so
many great and massy pieces of silver plate as there were. They drank no healths, the Grave telling
Whitelocke he had heard it was against his judgement, and therefore he did forbear to begin any healths, for
which civility Whitelocke thanked him; and they had no want of good wine and meat, and such as scarce had
been seen before on ship-board. They discoursed of the affairs in Sweden, and of the happy peace between
England and Denmark, and the like. Monsieur De la Marche gave thanks in French, because they all
understood it.
After dinner Whitelocke took out his tobacco-box, which the Grave looked upon, being gold, and his arms,
the three falcons, engraven on it; whereupon he asked Whitelocke if he loved hawks, who said he was a
falconer by inheritance, as his coat of arms testified. The Grave said that he would send him some hawks the
399 next winter out of his master’s dominions of Iceland, where the best in the world were bred, which
he nobly performed afterwards.
June 22, 1654. 177

The Grave earnestly invited Whitelocke to go on shore with him to his house, which was within two leagues
of Glückstadt, where he should meet Monsieur Schestedt and his lady, and the next day he would bring
Whitelocke to the King, who much desired to see him; and the Grave offered to bring Whitelocke back again
in his coach to Glückstadt. Whitelocke desired to be excused by reason of his voyage, and an order of his
country that those who had the command of any of the State’s ships were not to lie out of them until
they brought them home again; otherwise Whitelocke said he had a great desire to kiss his Majesty’s
hand and to wait upon his Excellence and the noble company at his house; and he desired that his humble
thanks and excuse might be made to the King. The Grave replied that Whitelocke, being an Extraordinary
Ambassador, was not within the order concerning commanders of the State’s ships, but he might be
absent and leave the charge of the ships to the inferior officers. Whitelocke said that as Ambassador he had
the honour to command those ships, and so was within the order, and was commanded by his Highness to
return forthwith to England; that if, in his absence, the wind and weather should come fair, or any harm should
come to any of the ships, he should be answerable for neglecting of his trust. Whitelocke also was unwilling,
though he must not express the same, to put himself under the trouble and temptations which he might meet
with in such a journey, and to neglect the least opportunity of proceeding in his voyage homewards.
400 The Grave, seeing Whitelocke not to be persuaded, hasted away; and after compliments and ceremonies
passed with great civility, he and the Agent and their company went into one of Whitelocke’s
ship-boats, with a crew of his men and his Lieutenant to attend them. At their going off, by
Whitelocke’s order only one gun was fired, and a good while after the ’President’ fired
all her guns round, the ‘Elizabeth,’ according to custom, did the like; so that there was a
continual firing of great guns during the whole time of their passage from the ship unto the
shore—almost a hundred guns, and the fort answered them with all the guns they had.
At the Lieutenant’s return he told Whitelocke that the Grave, when he heard but one gun fired for a
good while together, began to be highly offended, saying that his master, the King, was slighted and himself
dishonoured, to be sent away with one gun only fired, and he wondered the Ambassador carried it in such a
manner; but afterwards, when the rest of the guns went off, the Grave said he would tell the King how highly
the English Ambassador had honoured his Majesty and his servant by the most magnificent entertainment that
ever was made on ship-board, and by the number of guns at his going away, and that this was the greatest
honour he ever received, with much to the like purpose; and he gave to the Lieutenant for his pains two pieces
of plate of silver gilt, and ten rix-dollars to the boat’s company, and twenty rix-dollars more to the
ship’s company.
June 23, 1654.

This was the seventh day that Whitelocke had lain 401 on the Elbe, which was tedious to him; and now, fresh
provisions failing, he sent Captain Crispe to Glückstadt to buy more, whose diligence and discretion carried
him through his employments to the contentment of his master. He brought good provisions at cheap rates.
Whitelocke agrees to convoy four English cloth ships. The four captains of the English cloth-ships came on
board Whitelocke to visit him; they were sober, experienced sea commanders; their ships lay at anchor close
to Whitelocke. After dinner they told Whitelocke that if their ships had been three leagues lower down the
river, they could not have anchored in this bad weather without extreme danger, the sea being there much
higher, and the tide so strong that their cables would not have held their ships; and that if they had been at sea
in this weather, they had been in imminent peril of shipwreck, and could not have returned into the river, nor
have put into the Weser nor any other harbour. Whitelocke said that they and he were the more bound to God,
who had so ordered their affairs as to keep them, during all the storms wherein they had been, in a safe and
good harbour; he wished them, in this and all their voyages, to place their confidence in God, who would be
the same God to them as now, and in all their affairs of this life.
June 23, 1654. 178

The captains desired Whitelocke’s leave to carry their streamers and colours, and to be received by
him as part of his fleet in their voyage for England, and they would acknowledge him for their Admiral.
Whitelocke told them he should be glad of their company in his voyage, and would willingly admit them as
part of his small fleet, but he would expect their observance of his orders; and if there should be occasion, 402
that they must join with him in fight against any enemies of the Commonwealth whom they should meet with,
which they promised to do; and Whitelocke mentioned it to the captains, because he had received intelligence
of a ship laden with arms coming out of the Weser for Scotland, with a strong convoy, with whom Whitelocke
resolved to try his strength, if he could meet him.
In the afternoon two merchants of the cloth-ships came to visit Whitelocke, and showed great respect to him;
and they and the captains returned together to their ships, the wind being allayed, and come about to the south,
which gave Whitelocke hopes to proceed in his voyage.
June 24, 1654.

The convoy sails to Rose Beacon. The wind being come to west-south-west, a little fallen, about three
o’clock in the morning they began to weigh anchor. By Whitelocke’s command, all the ships
were to observe this order in their sailing. Every morning each ship was to come up and fall by Whitelocke,
and salute him, that he might inquire how they all did; then they were to fall astern again, Whitelocke to be in
the van, and the ‘Elizabeth’ in the rear, and the other ships in the middle between them; all to
carry their colours; Whitelocke to carry his in the maintop, and all to take their orders from his ship.
Thus they did this morning; the cloth-ships came all by Whitelocke, and saluted him the first with nine guns.
Whitelocke answered her with as many. Then she gave three guns more, to thank him for his salutation. Each
of the other ships gave seven guns 403 at their passing by; then the fort of Glückstadt discharged all their
ordnance to give Whitelocke the farewell, who then fired twenty-one guns, and the ‘Elizabeth’
nineteen; then the cloth-ships fired three guns apiece, as thanks for their salutation; and so, with their sails
spread, they committed themselves to the protection of the Almighty. Though these things may be looked
upon by some as trivial and expensive, yet those who go to sea will find them useful and of consequence, both
to keep up and cheer the spirits of the seamen, who will not be pleased without them, and to give an honour to
one’s country among strangers who are taken with them; and it is become a kind of sea language and
ceremony, and teacheth them also the better to speak it in battle.
Some emulation happened between the captain of the ‘President’ and Minnes, because
Whitelocke went not with him, but in the other’s ship, which Whitelocke would have avoided, but that
he apprehended the ’President’ sent purposely for him.
Between seven and eight o’clock in the morning Whitelocke passed by a village called Brown Bottle,
belonging to the King of Denmark, upon the river in Holstein, four leagues from Glückstadt; and four leagues
from thence he passed by a village on the other side of the Elbe, which they told him was called Oldenburg,
and belonged to the Duke of Saxony. Two leagues below that, he came to anchor over against a village called
Rose Beacon, a fair beacon standing by the water-side. It belongs to Hamburg; and by a late accident of a
soldier’s discharging his musket, it set a house on fire, and burnt half the town. Some of
Whitelocke’s people went on shore, 404 and reported it to be a poor place, and no provisions to be had
there.
The road here is well defended by a compass of land on the south and west, but to the north and east it lies
open. The sea there is wide, but full of high sands. The river is so shallow in some places that there was scarce
three fathom water where he passed between Brown Bottle and Oldenburg, where his ship struck upon the
sand, and made foul water, to the imminent danger of him and all his people, had not the Lord in mercy kept
June 24, 1654. 179

them. They were forced presently to tack back, and seek for deeper water. The pilot confessed this to happen
because they lay too far to gain the wind, which brought them upon the shallow. Whitelocke came to Rose
Beacon before noon, which is not very safe if the wind be high, as now it was; yet much safer than to be out in
the open sea, whither the pilot durst not venture, the wind rising and being contrary to them.
June 25, 1654.

The Lord’s Day.—Mr. Ingelo, Whitelocke’s chaplain, preached in his ship in the
morning. Mr. De la Marche, his other chaplain, was sick of a dysentery, which he fell into by drinking too
much milk on shore. Mr. Knowles, a confident young man, the ship’s minister, preached in the
afternoon.
The cloth ships return to Glückstadt. The wind blew very strong and contrary all the last night and this
morning, which made it troublesome riding in this place; insomuch that the four cloth-ships, doubting the
continuance of this tempestuous weather, and fearing the danger that their 405 cables would not hold, which
failing would endanger all, and not being well furnished with provisions, they weighed anchor this morning
flood, and sailed back again to Glückstadt road; whereof they sent notice to Whitelocke, desiring his excuse
for what their safety forced them to do. But Whitelocke thought it not requisite to follow their example, men
of war having better cables than merchantmen; and being better able to endure the stress of weather, and he
being better furnished with provisions, he resolved to try it out in this place.
A present from Count Ranzau. In the afternoon the wind was somewhat appeased and blew west-south-west.
A messenger came on board Whitelocke, and informed him that Grave Ranzau had sent a noble
present—a boat full of fresh provisions—to Whitelocke; but by reason of the violent storms, and
Whitelocke being gone from Glückstadt, the boat could not come at him, but was forced to return back, and so
Whitelocke lost his present. The letters mentioning this were delivered to Whitelocke by this messenger, and
were these:—
“A son Excellence Monsieur Whitelocke, Ambassadeur Extraordinaire d’Angleterre vers sa

Majesté la Reine de Suède.
“Monseigneur,
“Nous croyons être obligés de faire connaître à votre Excellence que Monseigneur le Comte de
Ranzau, notre maître, nous avait donné commission de venir très-humblement baiser les mains de votre
Excellence, et lui faire présenter quelques cerfs, sangliers, lièvres, perdrix, et quantité de carpes; la supplier de
s’en rafraîchir un peu, pendant que l’opiniâtreté d’un vent contraire lui empêcherait une
meilleure commodité, et d’assurer votre Excellence, de la part de Monseigneur le Comte, qu’il
souhaite avec passion 406 de pouvoir témoigner à votre Excellence combien il désire les occasions pour lui
rendre très-humbles services, et contracter avec elle une amitié plus étroite; et comme son Excellence
s’en allait trouver le Roi, son maître, qu’il ne laisserait point de dire à sa Majesté les civilités
que votre Excellence lui avait faites, et que sa Majesté épouserait sans doute ses intérêts, pour l’assister
de s’acquitter de son devoir avec plus de vigueur, lorsque la fortune lui en fournirait quelque ample
matière.
“Mais, Monseigneur, nous avons été si malheureux d’arriver à Glückstadt cinq ou six heures
après que votre Excellence avait fait voile et était descendu vers la mer; toutefois avons-nous pris vitement un
vaisseau pour suivre, et n’étions guères loin du hâvre où l’on disait que votre Excellence était
contrainte d’attendre un vent encore plus favorable, quand notre vaisseau, n’étant point chargé,
fut tellement battu par une grande tempête, que nous étions obligés de nous en retourner sans pouvoir executer
June 25, 1654. 180

les ordres de Monseigneur le Comte, notre maître, dont nous avons un déplaisir incroyable. Votre Excellence
a une bonté et générosité très-parfaite; c’est pourquoi nous la supplions très-humblement,
d’imputer plutôt à notre malheur qu’à la volonté de Monseigneur le Comte, le mauvais succès
de cette notre entreprise; aussi bien la lettre ici enfermée de son Excellence Monseigneur le Comte donnera
plus de croyance à nos paroles.
“Nous demandons très-humblement pardon à votre Excellence de la longueur de celle-ci, et espérons

quelque rencontre plus heureuse pour lui témoigner de meilleure grâce que nous sommes passionément,
“Monseigneur, de votre Excellence
“Très-humbles et très-obéissans serviteurs,
“François Louis Van de Wiele.

“Balth. Borne.”
The enclosed letter from the Count, which they mentioned, was this:—
407 “Illustri et nobilissimo Domino Bulstrodo Whitelocke, Constabulario Castri de Windsor, et

Domino Custodi Magni Sigilli Reipublicæ Angliæ, adque Serenissimam Reginam Sueciæ Legato
Extraordinario; amico meo plurimum honorando.
“Illustris et nobilissime Domine Legate, amice plurimum honorande,
“Quod Excellentia vestra me hesterno die tam magnificè et lautè exceperit, id ut pro singulari agnosco
beneficio; ita ingentes Excellentiæ vestræ ago gratias, et nihil magis in votis habeo quam ut occasio mihi
offeratur, quâ benevolentiam hanc aliquando debitè resarcire possim.
“Cum itaque videam ventum adhuc esse contrarium, adeo ut Excellentia vestra anchoram solvere
versusque patriam vela vertere needum possit; partium mearum duxi aliquo modo gratum meum ostendere
animum et præsentem ad Excellentiam vestram ablegare, simulque aliquid carnis, farinæ, et piscium, prout
festinatio temporis admittere potuit, offerre, Excellentiam vestram obnixè rogans ut oblatum æqui bonique
consulere dignetur. Et quamvis ex animo Excellentiæ vestræ ventum secundum, et ad iter omnia prospera
exoptem, nihilo tamen minus, si forte fortuna in hisce locis vicinis diutius adhuc subsistere cogatur, ministris
meis injungam, ut Excellentiæ vestræ in absentia mea (quoniam in procinctu sum me crastino mane ad regiam
Majestatem dominum meum clementissimum conferre) ulterius inservire, et quicquid occasio obtulerit
subministrare debeant. De cætero nos Divinæ commendo protectioni, et Excellentiæ vestræ filios
dilectissimos meo nomine salutare obnixè rogo.
“Dabam in arce mea Breitenburos, 23 Junii, anno 1654.
“Excellentiæ vestræ
“Observantissimus totusque addictus,
“Christianus, Comes in Ranzau.”
Whitelocke did the rather insert these letters, to testify the abilities of the gentlemen servants to this 408
Grave, as also the grateful affection of their master towards him, a stranger to them, upon one meal’s
entertainment and acquaintance.
June 25, 1654. 181

About six o’clock at night Mr. Smith, son to Alderman Smith, of London, and two other young
merchants of the English company at Hamburg, came on board to Whitelocke, and brought letters to him from
the Resident Bradshaw, with those the Resident received by this week’s post from London; wherein
was little news, and no letters came to Whitelocke, because (as he supposed) his friends believed him to be
upon the sea. Whitelocke wrote letters of thanks to the Resident, and enclosed in them letters of compliment
to the Ricks-Chancellor, and to his son Grave Eric of Sweden, and to Sir George Fleetwood and others, his
friends, and entreated the Resident to send them into Sweden.
June 26, 1654.

Whitelocke weighs anchor. The wind not being so high the last night nor this morning as formerly, but the
weather promising fair, and Whitelocke longing to advance in his voyage, he weighed anchor about break of
day, the ‘Elizabeth’ did the like, and they were under sail about four o’clock this
morning. As they came out from Rose Beacon, they told above thirty fisher-boats at sea, testifying the
industriousness of this people.
About two leagues from Rose Beacon they passed in sight of another beacon, and of a village which they call
Newworke, in which is a small castle like unto that at Rose Beacon. Here the sea began to expatiate, and
about three leagues from hence was the 409 lowest buoy of the river. And now Whitelocke was got forth into
the open German Ocean, a sea wide and large, oft-times highly rough and boisterous and full of danger,
especially in these parts of it, and as Whitelocke shortly found it to be. Suddenly the wind grew high and the
sea swelled, and they were fain to take in their topsails; the ship rolled and tossed sufficiently to make the
younger seamen sick, and all fearful.
From this place they might see an island on the starboard side of them, called Heligoland, standing a great
way into the sea, twelve leagues from Rose Beacon; the island is about six miles in compass. The inhabitants
have a language, habit, and laws, different from their neighbours, and are said to have many witches among
them; their shores are found very dangerous, and many ships wrecked upon them.
About noon the wind came more to the west, and sometimes it was calm; nevertheless the sea wrought high,
the waves raised by the former storms not abating a long while after the storm ceased. When they were gone
about two leagues beyond Heligoland, the wind and tide turning against them, they were driven back again
near two leagues short of the island; but about four o’clock in the afternoon, the wind being come to
south-south-east and a fresh gale, they went on well in their course, running about eight leagues in a watch.
Before it was night they had left Heligoland out of sight, and got about eight leagues beyond it; and the
’Elizabeth’ kept up with Whitelocke.
From hence he came in sight of divers small islands upon the Dutch coast, which lie in rank from the mouth
of the Elbe unto the Texel. In the evening 410 they spied a sail to the leeward of them, but so far off that
Whitelocke held it not fit, being almost dark, to go so far as he must do out of his way to inquire after her, and
she seemed, at that distance, to stand for the course of England.
June 27, 1654.

At sea. The last night, the wind, having chopped about, had much hindered Whitelocke’s course, and
made him uncertain where they were, yet he went on labouring in the main; but the seamen guessed, by the
ship’s making way and holding it (though sometimes forward and sometimes backward), that this
morning by eight o’clock they had gained thirty leagues from Heligoland, from which to Orfordness
they reckon eighty leagues, and the “Fly” to be midway. The ship, which they saw last night,
coming near them this morning, they found to be of Amsterdam, coming from the Sound homewards: she
June 26, 1654. 182

struck her sails to Whitelocke, and so passed on her course.
About noon Whitelocke came over-against the Fly, and saw the tower there, about five or six leagues from
him. The wind lessened, and the sea did not go so high as before; he went on his course about four or five
leagues in a watch. About seven or eight Holland ships made their course by them, as was supposed, towards
the Sound, which now they did without fear or danger, the peace between the two Commonwealths being
confirmed.
Whitelocke’s fresh provisions beginning to fail, and his biscuit lessened by affording part of it to the
‘Elizabeth,’ which wanted, he was enforced to order that 411 there should be but one meal a
day, to make his provisions hold out.
The most part of the afternoon they were taken with a calm, till about seven o’clock in the evening,
when the wind came fresh again to the east and towards the north, and then would again change; and
sometimes they kept their course, and sometimes they were driven back again. The wind was high and
variable, and they toiled to and again, uncertain where they were. Divers took the opportunity to recreate
themselves by fishing, and the mackerel and other fish they took gave a little supply to their want of victual.
About nine o’clock in the evening they lost the ‘Elizabeth,’ leaving her behind about
three leagues; she used to keep a distance from Whitelocke’s ship, and under the wind of her, since
they began their voyage; and, as a stranger, would not keep company with Whitelocke, being discontented
because he went not in that frigate.
June 28, 1654.

Whitelocke’s great deliverance. This Wednesday was the day of Whitelocke’s greatest
deliverance. After midnight, till three o’clock in the afternoon, was a great calm, and though the
‘President’ were taken with it, yet the ‘Elizabeth’ had a good wind; and
notwithstanding that the day before she was left behind a great distance, yet this morning she came up near to
him, and got before him; so great is the difference sometimes, and at so small a distance, at sea, that here one
ship shall have no wind at all, and another ship a few yards from her shall have her sails filled.
Notwithstanding the calm, yet the wind being by flashes large, they went the last 412 night and the day before
twenty leagues up and down, sometimes in their course and sometimes out of it. In the morning, sounding
with the plummet, the pilot judged that they were about sixteen leagues from the Texel, and twenty-four from
Orfordness, but he did not certainly know whereabouts they were. Between three and four o’clock in
the afternoon the wind came to north-north-west, which gave them hopes of finishing their voyage the sooner,
and it blew a fresh gale.
About five o’clock in the evening rose a very great fog and thick mist, so that it was exceeding dark,
and they could not see their way a ship’s length before them. Whitelocke came upon the decks, and
seeing the weather so bad and night coming on, and that all their sails were spread, and they ran extraordinary
fast, he did not like it, but called together the captain, the master, the pilot, and others, to consult what was
best to be done. He asked them why they spread all their sails, and desired to make so much way in so ill
weather, and so near to night. They said they had so much sail because the wind favoured them, and that
notwithstanding the bad weather they might safely run as they did, having sea-room enough. Whitelocke
asked them if they knew whereabouts they were. They confessed they did not, because they had been so much
tossed up and down by contrary winds, and the sun had not shined, whereby they might take the elevation.
Whitelocke replied, that, having been driven forward and backward as they had been, it was impossible to
know where they were; that the ship had run, and did now run, extraordinary fast, and if she should run so all
night, perhaps they might be in danger of the English coast or of the Holland coast; 413 and that by Norfolk
there were great banks of sand, by which he had passed at sea formerly, and which could not be unknown to
June 27, 1654. 183

them; that in case the ship should fall upon those sands, or any other dangers of that coast, before morning,
they should be all lost; and therefore he thought fit to take down some of their sails and slacken their course
till, by daylight, they might come to know more certainly in what part they were.
The officers of the ship continued earnest to hold on their course, saying they would warrant it that there was
running enough for all night, and that to take down any sail, now the wind was so good for them, would be a
great wrong to them in their course. But Whitelocke was little satisfied with their reasons, and less with their
warranties, which among them are not of binding force. His own reason showed him, that, not knowing where
they were, and in such weather as this to run on as they did, they knew not whither, with all their sails spread,
might be dangerous; but to take down some of their sails and to slacken their course could be no danger, and
but little prejudice in the hindrance of their course this night, which he thought better to be borne than to
endanger all.
He orders sail to be taken in. But chiefly it was the goodness of God to put it strongly upon
Whitelocke’s heart to overrule the seamen in this particular, though in their own art, and though his
own desires were sufficiently earnest to hasten to his dear relations and country; yet the present haste he
feared might hinder the seeing of them at all. Upon a strange earnestness in his own mind and judgement, he
gave a positive command to the captain to cause all the sails to be taken down except 414 the mainsail only,
and that to be half-furled. Upon the captain’s dispute, Whitelocke with quickness told him that if he
did not presently see it done he would cause another to do it, whereupon the captain obeyed; and it was a great
mercy that the same was done, which God directed as a means to save their lives.
After the sails were taken down, Whitelocke also ordered them to sound and try what water and bottom they
had. About ten o’clock in the evening sounding, they found eighteen fathom water; the next sounding
they had but fifteen fathom, and so lessened every sounding till they came to eight fathom, which startled
them, and made them endeavour to tack about. But it was too late, for within less than a quarter of an hour
after they had eighteen fathom water, The ship strikes. the ship struck upon a bank of sand, and there stuck
fast. Whitelocke was sitting with some of the gentlemen in the steerage-room when this happened, and felt a
strange motion of the frigate, as if she had leaped, and not unlike the curveting of a great horse; and the
violence of the striking threw several of the gentlemen from off their seats into the midst of the room. The
condition they were in was quickly understood, and both seamen and landsmen discovered it by the wonderful
terror and amazement which had seized on them, and more upon the seamen than others who knew less of the
danger.
It pleased his good God to keep up the spirits and faith of Whitelocke in this great extremity; and when
nothing would be done but what he in person ordered, in this frightful confusion God gave him extraordinary
fixedness and assistance, a temper and constancy of spirit beyond what was usual with him. He ordered 415
the master-gunner presently to fire some pieces of ordnance, after the custom at sea, to signify their being in
distress. But the gunner was so amazed with the danger, that he forgot to unbrace the guns, and shot away the
main-sheet; and had not the ship been strong and staunch, the guns being fired when they were close braced,
they had broke the sides of her. Whitelocke caused the guns to be unbraced and divers of them fired, to give
notice to the ‘Elizabeth,’ or any other ship that might be within hearing, to come in to their
assistance; but they heard no guns again to answer theirs, though they longed for it, hoping that the
‘Elizabeth,’ or any other ship coming in to them, by their boats might save the lives of some of
them. Whitelocke also caused lights to be set up in the top-gallant, used at sea by those in distress to invite
help; but the lights were not answered again by any other ship or vessel; particularly they wondered that
nothing was heard or seen from the ‘Elizabeth.’
Whitelocke then ordered the sails of the ship to be reversed, that the wind, being high, might so help them off;
but no help was by it, nor by all the people’s coming together to the stern, then to the head, then to the
sides of the ship, all in a heap together; nothing would help them. Then Whitelocke ordered the mariners to
June 28, 1654. 184

hoist out one of the boats, in which some of the company would have persuaded Whitelocke to put himself
and to leave the rest, and seek to preserve his own life by trusting to the seas in this boat; and they that advised
this, offered willingly to go with him.
But Whitelocke knew that if he should go into the boat, besides the dishonour of leaving his people in this
distress, so many would strive to enter into the 416 boat with him (a life knows no ceremony) that probably
the boat would be sunk by the crowding; and there was little hope of escaping in such a boat, though he
should get well off from the ship and the boat not be overladen. He therefore ordered the captain to take a few
of the seamen into the boat with him, and to go round the ship and sound what water was on each side of her,
and what hopes they could find, and by what means to get her off, himself resolving to abide the same fortune
with his followers.
The captain found it very shallow to windward, and very deep to leeward, but no hopes of help; and at his
return the master advised to lighten the ship by casting overboard the goods in her. Whitelocke held it best to
begin with the ordnance, and gave order for it. Mr. Earle was contriving how to save his master’s
jewels, which were of some value; his master took more care to save his papers, to him more precious jewels;
but there was no hope of saving any goods or lives. Whitelocke put in his pocket a tablet of gold of his
wife’s picture, that this, being found about his dead body when it should be taken up, might show him
to have been a gentleman, and satisfy for his burial. One was designing to get upon a plank, others upon the
masts, others upon other fancies, any way to preserve life; but no way was left whereby they could have the
least shadow or hopes of a deliverance.
The captain went up to the quarter-deck, saying, there he lived and there he would die. All the officers, sadly
enough, concluded that there was not the least show of any hopes of preservation, but that they were all dead
men, and that upon the return of the tide 417 the ship would questionless be dashed in pieces. Some lay crying
in one corner, others lamenting in another; some, who vaunted most in time of safety, were now most
dejected. The tears and sighs and wailings in all parts of the ship would have melted a stony heart into pity;
every swelling wave seemed great in expectation of its booty; the raging waves foamed as if their prey were
too long detained from them; every billow threatened present death, who every moment stared in their faces
for almost two hours together.
Exhorts his sons. In this condition Whitelocke encouraged his two sons to undergo the pleasure of God with
all submission. He was sorry for them, being young men, who might have lived many years to do God and
their country service, that they now should be snatched away so untimely; but he told them, that if father and
sons must now die together, he doubted not but they should go together to that happiness which admits no
change; that he did not so much lament his own condition, being an old man, in the course of nature much
nearer the grave than they: but he besought God to bless them and yet to appear for their deliverance, if it
were His will, or else to give him and them, and all the company, hearts willing to submit to His good
pleasure.
Discourse with the boatswain. Walking on the decks to see his orders executed for throwing the ordnance
overboard, the boatswain met him and spake to him in his language:—
Boatswain. My Lord, what do you mean to do?
Whitelocke. Wherein dost thou ask my meaning?
Bo. You have commanded the ordnance to be cast overboard.
Wh. It is for our preservation.
June 28, 1654. 185

418 Bo. If it be done, we are all destroyed.
Wh. What reason have you to be of this opinion? Must we not lighten the ship? and can we do it better than to
begin with the ordnance?
Bo. It may do well to lighten the ship, but not by throwing overboard the ordnance; for you can but drop them
close to the ship’s side, and where the water is shallow they will lie up against the side of the ship and
fret it, and with the working of the sea make her to spring leaks presently.
Wh. I think thou speakest good reason, and I will try a little longer before it be done.
Bo. My Lord, do not doubt but God will show Himself, and bring you off by His own hand from this danger.
Wh. Hast thou any ground to judge so, or dost thou see any probability of it?
Bo. I confess there is no probability for it; but God hath put it into my heart to tell your Excellence that He
will appear our Deliverer when all other hopes and helps fail us, and He will save us by His own power; and
let us trust in Him.
Upon this discourse with the honest boatswain, who walked up and down as quite unconcerned, Whitelocke
forbade the throwing of the ordnance overboard; and as he was sitting on the deck, Mr. Ingelo, one of his
chaplains, came to him, and said that he was glad to see him in so good a temper.
Whitelocke. I bless God, who keeps up my spirit.
Ingelo. My Lord, such composedness, and not being daunted in this distress, is a testimony of God’s
presence with you.
Wh. I have cause to thank God, whose presence 419 hath been with me in all my dangers, and most in this
greatest, which I hope and pray that He would fit us all to submit unto.
Ing. I hope He will; and I am glad to see your sons and others to have so much courage left in so high a
danger.
Wh. God hath not suffered me, nor them, nor yourself, to be dejected in this great trial; and it gives me
comfort at this time to observe it, nor doth it leave me without some hopes that God hath yet a mercy in store
for us.
Ing. There is little hopes of continuance in this life, it is good to prepare ourselves for a better life; and
therefore, if you please that the company may be called together into your cabin, it will be good to join in
prayer, and recommending our souls to Him that gave them; I believe they are not to remain long in these
bodies of clay.
Wh. I hope every one doth this apart, and it is very fit likewise to join together in doing it; therefore I pray
send and call the people into my cabin to prayer.
Whilst Mr. Ingelo was gone to call the people together, a mariner came from the head of the ship, running
hastily towards Whitelocke, and crying out to him, which caused Whitelocke to suspect that the ship had
sprung a leak or was sinking. The mariner called out:—
The ship moves, Mariner. My Lord! my Lord! my Lord!
June 28, 1654. 186

Whitelocke. What’s the matter, mariner?
Mar. She wags! she wags!
Wh. Which way doth she wag?
Mar. To leeward.
420 Wh. I pray God that be true; and it is the best news that ever I heard in my life.
Mar. My Lord, upon my life the ship did wag; I saw her move.
Wh. Mr. Ingelo, I pray stay awhile before you call the people; it may be God will give us occasion to change
the style of our prayers. Fellow-seaman, show me where thou sawest her move.
Mar. My Lord, here, at the head of the frigate, I saw her move, and she moves now,—now she moves!
you may see it.
Wh. My old eyes cannot discern it.
Mar. I see it plain, and so do others.
and rights. Whilst they were thus speaking and looking, within less than half a quarter of an hour, the ship
herself came off from the sand, and miraculously floated on the water. The ship being thus by the wonderful
immediate hand of God, again floating on the sea, the mariners would have been hoisting of their sails, but
Whitelocke forbade it, and said he would sail no more that night. But as soon as the ship had floated a good
way from the bank of sand, he caused them to let fall their anchors, that they might stay till morning, to see
where they were, and spend the rest of the night in giving thanks to God for his most eminent, most
miraculous deliverance.
Being driven by the wind about a mile from the sand, there they cast anchor, and fell into discourse of the
providences and goodness of God to them in this unhoped-for preservation. One observed, that if Whitelocke
had not positively overruled the seamen, and made them, contrary to their own opinions, to take down their
sails, but that the ship had run with all her 421 sails spread, and with that force had struck into the sand, it had
been impossible for her ever to have come off again, but they must all have perished. Another observed, that
the ship did strike so upon the bank of sand, that the wind was on that side of her where the bank was highest,
and so the strength of the wind lay to drive the ship from the bank towards the deep water.
Another supposed, that the ship did strike on the shelving part of the bank of sand, and the wind blowing from
the higher part of the bank, the weight of the ship thus pressed by the wind, and working towards the lower
part of the shelving of the bank, the sand crumbled away from the ship, and thereby and with the wind she
was set on-float again. Another observed, that if the ship had struck higher on the bank or deeper, when her
sails had been spread, with the force of her way, they could not in the least probability have been saved.
Another observed, that through the goodness of God the wind rose higher, and came more to that side of the
ship where the bank of sand was highest, after the ship was struck, which was a great means of her coming
off; and that, as soon as she was floated, the wind was laid and came about again to another quarter. Another
observed, that it being at that time ebbing water was a great means of their preservation; because the ship
being so far struck into the sand, and so great a ship, a flowing water could not have raised her; but upon the
coming in of the tide she would questionless have been broke in pieces.
June 28, 1654. 187

The mariners said, that if God had not loved the landmen more than the seamen they should never have 422
come off from this danger. Every one made his observations. Whitelocke concluded them to this purpose:
Whitelocke orders a thanksgiving to God. “Gentlemen,
“I desire that we may all join together in applying these observations and mercies to the praise of God,
and to the good of our own souls. Let me exhort you never to forget this deliverance and this signal mercy.
While the love of God is warm upon our hearts, let us resolve to retain a thankful memory of it to our
lives’ end, and, for the time to come, to employ those lives, which God hath now given to us and
renewed to us, to the honour and praise of Him, who hath thus most wonderfully and most mercifully revived
us, and as it were new created us. Let us become new creatures; forsake your former lusts in your ignorance,
and follow that God fully, who hath so eminently appeared for us, to save us out of our distress; and as God
hath given us new lives, so let us live in newness of life and holiness of conversation.”
Whitelocke caused his people to come into his cabin, where Mr. Ingelo prayed with them, and returned praises
to the Lord for this deliverance: an occasion sufficient to elevate his spirit, and, meeting with his affections
and abilities, tended the more to the setting forth His glory, whose name they had so much cause more than
others to advance and honour.
Many of the seamen came in to prayers, and Whitelocke talked with divers of them upon the mercy they had
received, who seemed to be much moved with the goodness of God to them; and Whitelocke sought to make
them and all the company sensible of God’s gracious dealings, and to bring it home to the hearts of
them. He also held it a duty to leave to his own family this large relation, and remembrance of the
Lord’s signal mercy to him and his; whereby they might be 423 induced the more to serve the God of
their fathers, to trust in Him who never fails those that seek Him, and to love that God entirely who hath
manifested so much love to them, and that in their greatest extremities; and hereby to endeavour that a
grateful acknowledgment of the goodness and unspeakable love of God might be transmitted to his
children’s children; that as God never forgets to be gracious, so his servants may never forget to be
thankful, but to express the thankfulness of their hearts by the actions of their lives.
Whitelocke spent this night in discourses upon this happy subject, and went not to bed at all, but expected the
return of day; and, the more to express cheerfulness to the seamen, he promised that as soon as light did
appear, if they would up to the shrouds and top, he that could first descry land should have his reward, and a
bottle of good sack advantage.
June 29, 1654.

They make the coast of Norfolk. As soon as day appeared, the mariners claimed many rewards and bottles of
sack, sundry of them pretending to have first discovered land; and Whitelocke endeavoured to give them all
content in this day of rejoicing, God having been pleased to turn their sorrow into joy, by preserving them in
their great danger, and presently after by showing them their longed-for native country; making them, when
they were in their highest expectation of joy to arrive in their beloved country, then to disappoint their hopes
by casting them into the extremest danger—thus making them sensible of the uncertainty of this
world’s condition, and checking perhaps their too much earthly confidence, to let them 424 see His
power to control it, and to change their immoderate expectation of joy into a bitter doubt of present death. Yet
again, when He had made them sensible thereof, to make his equal power appear for their deliverance when
vain was the help of man, and to bring them to depend more on him, then was He pleased to rescue them by
his own hand out of the jaws of death, and to restore them with a great addition to their former hopes of
rejoicing, by showing them their native coast,—the first thing made known to them after their
deliverance from perishing.
June 29, 1654. 188

The day being clear, they found themselves upon the coast of Norfolk, and, as they guessed, about eight
leagues from Yarmouth, where they supposed their guns might be heard the last night. The wind being good,
Whitelocke ordered to weigh anchor, and they sailed along the coast, sometimes within half a league of it,
until they passed Orfordness and came to Oseley Bay, where they again anchored, the weather being so thick
with a great fog and much rain that they could not discern the marks and buoys to avoid the sands, and to
conduct them to the mouth of the river. A short time after, the weather began to clear again, which invited
them to weigh anchor and put the ship under sail; but they made little way, that they might not hinder their
sounding, which Whitelocke directed, the better to avoid the danger of the sands, whereof this coast is full.
Near the road of Harwich the ‘Elizabeth’ appeared under sail on-head of the
‘President,’ who overtaking her, Captain Minnes came on board to Whitelocke, who told him
the condition they had been in the last night, and expostulated with him to this purpose.
425 Whitelocke. Being in this distress, we fired divers guns, hoping that you, Captain Minnes, could not but
hear us and come in to our relief, knowing this to be the order of the sea in such cases.
Minnes. My Lord, I had not the least imagination of your being in distress; but I confess I heard your cannon,
and believed them to be fired by reason of the fog, which is the custom of the sea in such weather, to advertise
one another where they are.
Wh. Upon such an occasion as the fog, seamen use to give notice to one another by two or three guns, but I
caused many more to be fired.
Minnes. I heard but four or five in all, and I answered your guns by firing some of mine.
Wh. We heard not one of your guns.
Minnes. That might be by reason we were to windward of you three leagues.
Wh. Why then did you not answer the lights which I caused to be set up?
Minnes. My Lord, those in my ship can witness that I set up lights again, and caused squibs and fireworks to
be cast up into the air, that you might thereby discern whereabouts we were.
Wh. It was strange that we could neither see yours nor you our lights.
Minnes. The greatness of the fog might occasion it.
Wh. The lights would appear through the fog as well as in the night.
Minnes. My Lord, I did all this.
Wh. It was contrary to my orders for you to keep so far off from me, and to be on-stern of me three leagues;
but this hath been your practice since we first came out to sea together; and if you had been under 426 the
command of some others, as you were under mine, they would have expected more obedience than you have
given to my orders, or have taken another course with you, which I can do likewise.
Minnes. My Lord, I endeavoured to get the wind of you, that I might thereby be able to keep in your company,
which otherwise I could not have done, you being so much fleeter than the ‘Elizabeth;’ but in
the evenings I constantly came up to your Excellence.
June 29, 1654. 189

Wh. Why did you not so the last night?
Minnes. The fog rose about five o’clock, and was so thick that we could not see two ships’
length before us. In that fog I lost you, and, fearing there might be danger in the night to fall upon the coast, I
went off to sea, supposing you had done so likewise, as, under favour, your captain ought to have done; and
for my obedience to your Excellency’s commands, it hath been and shall be as full and as willing as to
any person living.
Wh. When you found by my guns that you were so far from me to the windward, you might fear that I was
fallen into that danger which you had avoided by keeping yourself under the wind more at large at sea.
Minnes. If I had in the least imagined your Excellence to have been in danger, we had been worse than Turks
if we had not endeavoured to come in to your succour; and though it was impossible, as we lay, for our ship to
come up to your Excellence, yet I should have adventured with my boats to have sought you out. But that you
were in any danger was never in our thoughts; and three hours after your guns fired, sounding, I found by the
lead the red sand, which 427 made me think both your Excellence and we might be in the more danger, and I
lay the further off from them, but knew not where your Excellence was, nor how to come to you.
After much more discourse upon this subject, Captain Parkes pressing it against Minnes, who answered well
for himself, and showed that he was the better seaman in this action and in most others, and in regard of the
cause of rejoicing which God had given them, and that they now were near the end of their voyage,
Whitelocke held it not so good to continue the expostulation as to part friends with Captain Minnes and with
all his fellow-seamen, and so they proceeded together lovingly and friendly in their voyage.
The wind not blowing at all, but being a high calm, they could advance no further than the tide would carry
them, the which failed them when they came to a place called Shoe, about four leagues from the mouth of
Thames. Having, through the goodness of God, passed by and avoided many banks of sands and dangerous
places, the wind failing them and the tide quite spent, they were forced about seven o’clock in the
evening to come to an anchor, Captain Minnes hard by the ‘President,’ where, to make some
pastime and diversion, he caused many squibs and fireworks to be cast up into the air from the
‘Elizabeth,’ in which Minnes was very ingenious, and gave recreation thereby to Whitelocke
and to his company.
June 30, 1654.

Reach the Nore and Gravesend. Friday, the last of this month, was the fifth and last day of
Whitelocke’s voyage by sea from the mouth of 428 the Elbe to the mouth of the Thames. About twelve
o’clock the last night the wind began to blow very strong in the south-west, and by daybreak they had
weighed anchor; and though the wind was extreme high and a great tempest, yet such was their desire of
getting into the harbour, that, taking the benefit of the tide and by often tacking about, they yet advanced three
leagues in their course; and when the tide failed, they were forced to cast anchor at the buoy in the Nore, the
same place where Whitelocke first anchored when he came from England. The pilots and mariners had much
ado to manage their sails in this tempestuous weather; and it was a great favour of God that they were not out
at sea in these storms, but returned in safety to the place where the kindness of God had before appeared to
them.
In the afternoon the wind began to fall, and they weighed anchor, putting themselves under sail and pursuing
their course, till for want of day and of tide they were fain to cast anchor a little above Gravesend, and it being
very late, Whitelocke thought it would be too troublesome to go on shore; but to keep his people together, and
that they might all be the readier to take the morning tide, he lay this night also on ship-board, but sent Earle
June 30, 1654. 190

and some others that night to shore, to learn the news, and to provide boats against the morning for
transportation of Whitelocke and his company the next day to London.
Thus, after a long, most difficult, and most dangerous journey, negotiation, and voyage from south to north in
winter, and from north to south in summer, after the wonderful preservations and deliverances which the Lord
had been pleased to vouchsafe to 429 them, He was also pleased, in His free and constant goodness to His
servants, to bring them all in safety and with comfort again to their native country and dearest relations, and
blessed with the success of their employment, and with the wonderful appearances of God for them.
May it be the blessed portion of them all, never to forget the loving-kindness of the Lord, but by these cords
of love to be drawn nearer to Him, and to run after Him all the days of their lives! To the end that those of his
family may see what cause they have to trust in God and to praise his name for his goodness, Whitelocke hath
thought fit, hereby in writing, and as a monument of God’s mercy, to transmit the memory of these
passages to his posterity.
371 [Another instance of the fear of assassination or of death by poison, which at that time haunted the
Envoys of the Commonwealth abroad.]
430 JULY.
July 1, 1654.
Whitelocke lands, and proceeds to his house at Chelsea. About three o’clock this morning good store
of boats came from Gravesend to Whitelocke’s ships, to transport him, his company, and goods to
London. By the help of the mariners, without much delay the baggage was put on board the boats; and
Whitelocke’s people, after a perilous and tedious voyage, were not backward to leave their ships and to
set forward to London. Earle was sent before to Greenwich, to acquaint Whitelocke’s wife with his
coming, lest sudden joy and apprehensions might surprise her to her prejudice.
Whitelocke having distributed his rewards to the officers and seamen of both the frigates, much to the same
proportion as when he went forth, and giving them all his hearty thanks, he went into a boat of six oars, his
two sons and some of the gentlemen with him, the rest in other boats. When they were gone about a
musket-shot from the ships, both the frigates and the fort fired their cannon for a parting salutation. The
weather was cold, wet, and windy, as if it had been still winter, but it was cheerfully endured, being the
conclusion of a bad voyage. Near Greenwich Earle met them, and informed Whitelocke that his family was at
Chelsea, whither he had sent advertisement of his coming.
431 Many of the company being much tired, sick, and wanting sleep, by their desire and for their refreshment
he staid a little time at the ‘Bear’ on the bridge-foot, and from thence to Whitehall, where not
finding the Protector, who was gone to Hampton Court, yet many of his friends meeting him there, he was
embraced by them with much show of joy, and heartily bid welcome home, blessing God for his safe return
and good success in his business.
From Whitehall Whitelocke went to his own house at Chelsea, where he found his wife and family in good
health, but in no small passion, surprised with the great and sudden joy, which ofttimes brings no less
disturbance to the tempers of people, especially of the more tender and affectionate sex, than other surprises
do; sudden fear, grief, and joy, are often equal in their operation upon constitutions and affections. Nor was
Whitelocke’s wife alone in this surprise; another with her, at the return of her husband, could not
forbear, in all that company, her extraordinary expressions of joy at the happy meeting of her own most near
430 JULY. 191

relation.
From the time of Whitelocke’s departure from hence, to his entry into Upsal, Whitelocke spent
forty-seven days; five months he staid there, and in his return from Upsal to this place cost him forty-three
days; and in all these eight months’ time of his absence from his dear relations and country the Lord
was pleased so to own him and his, and so graciously to preserve and prosper them, that himself and a
hundred persons in his company, after so long a journey, so great a change of climate and accommodations,
such hardships endured, such dangers surmounted through His goodness, the business effected beyond the
expectation of 432 those who employed him, Whitelocke and all his company were through mercy returned to
their country and relations, in as good condition and health as when they went forth, not one of them left
behind dead or sick or impaired in their health, but some improved and bettered therein. Only Whitelocke,
being ancient, will have cause to remember the decay of his strength and health by the hardships and
difficulties of this service; but more cause hath he to remember the wonderful goodness of God to him and his
company abroad and to his wife and family at home, in His blessing and preservation of them, and in the
comfort and safety of their meeting after so long and perilous a separation, for which he is obliged to praise
the name of God for ever.
After ceremonies past at his coming to his own house, Whitelocke sent Captain Beake to Hampton Court, to
acquaint the Protector with his return, to present his duty, and to receive his commands when Whitelocke
should wait upon his Highness to kiss his hand, and to give him an account of his negotiation. Beake returned
this evening from Hampton Court to Whitelocke with this answer:—that the Protector expressed much
joy at the news of the safe arrival of Whitelocke and of his company in England; that he looked upon it as a
mercy, and blessed God for it; and that he much desired to see Whitelocke, and hoped, on Monday next, at
Whitehall, to have his company, who should be very welcome to him.
A little while after this message returned, there came two of the Protector’s gentlemen, sent by him to
Chelsea in his name, to visit Whitelocke and to bid him welcome home, to inquire of his health, and to testify
433 the contentment the Protector received by Whitelocke’s happy return home, and that he hoped on
Monday next to see him. Whitelocke desired the gentlemen to present his humble thanks to the Protector for
this great favour to inquire after so mean a servant, who hoped to have the honour to wait upon his Highness
at the time appointed by him.
July 2, 1654.
The Protector compliments Whitelocke on his return. The Lord’s Day.—Whitelocke began to
enjoy some more privacy and retirement than he had been lately accustomed unto, and was at the public
church with his wife and family, and courteously saluted and bid welcome home by many. In the evening the
Protector sent another compliment to Whitelocke by Mr. Strickland, one of his Council, who came to
Whitelocke’s house, and told him that he was sent by the Protector to salute him, and to inquire of his
health after his long and dangerous voyage, and to assure him of the great joy his Highness received by
Whitelocke’s safe arrival in England, and the desire he had to see him, and personally to entertain him.
Whitelocke desired his most humble thanks might be returned to his Highness for this great favour, giving
him the opportunity of seeing so honourable a person as Strickland was, and for taking such care of so poor a
servant as Whitelocke, and to let his Highness know that he should obey his Highness’s commands in
waiting on him the next day as he appointed.
July 1, 1654. 192

July 3, 1654.
His audience of the Protector. Whitelocke came to Whitehall about nine o’clock 434 this morning,
where he visited Mr. Secretary Thurloe, who brought him to the Protector, and he received Whitelocke with
great demonstration of affection, and carried him into his cabinet, where they were together about an hour,
and had this among other discourses:—
Protector. How have you enjoyed your health in your long journey, both by sea and land? and how could you
endure those hardships you were put unto in that barren and cold country?
Whitelocke. Indeed, Sir, I have endured many hardships for an old crazy carcase as mine is, but God was
pleased to show much mercy to me in my support under them, and vouchsafed me competent health and
strength to endure them.
Prot. I have heard of your quarters and lodging in straw, and of your diet in your journey; we were not so
hardly nor so often put to it in our service in the army.
Wh. Both my company and myself did cheerfully endure all our hardships and wants, being in the service of
our God and of our country.
Prot. That was also our support in our hardships in the army, and it is the best support, indeed it is, and you
found it so in the very great preservations you have had from dangers.
Wh. Your Highness hath had great experience of the goodness of God to you, and the same hand hath
appeared wonderfully in the preservation of my company and myself from many imminent and great dangers
both by sea and land.
Prot. The greatest of all other, I hear, was in your return home upon our coast.
Wh. That indeed, Sir, was very miraculous.
435 Prot. I am glad to see you safe and well after it.
Wh. I have cause to bless God with all thankfulness for it as long as I live.
Prot. I pray, my Lord, tell me the particulars of that great deliverance.
Thereupon Whitelocke gave a particular account of the passages of that wonderful preservation; then the
Protector said:—
Prot. Really these passages are full of wonder and mercy; and I have cause to join with you in
acknowledgment of the goodness of the Lord herein.
Wh. Your Highness testifies a true sense thereof, and your favour to your servant.
Prot. I hope I shall never forget the one or the other,—indeed I hope I shall not; but, I pray, tell me, is
the Queen a lady of such rare parts as is reported of her?
Wh. Truly, Sir, she is a lady excellently qualified, of rare abilities of mind, perfect in many languages, and
most sorts of learning, especially history, and, beyond compare with any person whom I have known,
July 3, 1654. 193

understanding the affairs and interest of all the States and Princes of Christendom.
Prot. That is very much; but what are her principles in matters of religion?
Wh. They are not such as I could wish they were;435 they are too much inclined to the manner of that country,
and to some persuasions from men not well inclined to those matters, who have had too much power with her.
436 Prot. That is a great deal of pity; indeed I have heard of some passages of her, not well relishing with
those that fear God; and this is too general an evil among those people, who are not so well principled in
matters of religion as were to be wished.
Wh. That is too true; but many sober men and good Christians among them do hope, that in time there may be
a reformation of those things; and I took the boldness to put the Queen and the present King in mind of the
duty incumbent upon them in that business; and this I did with becoming freedom, and it was well taken.
Prot. I think you did very well to inform them of that great duty which now lies upon the King; and did he
give ear to it?
Wh. Yes truly, Sir, and told me that he did acknowledge it to be his duty, which he resolved to pursue as
opportunity could be had for it; but he said, it must be done by degrees with a boisterous people, so long
accustomed to the contrary. And the like answer I had from the Archbishop of Upsal, and from the
Chancellor, when I spoke to them upon the same subject, which I did plainly.
Prot. I am glad you did so. Is the Archbishop a man of good abilities?
Wh. He is a very reverend person, learned, and seems very pious.
Prot. The Chancellor is the great wise man.
Wh. He is the wisest man that ever I conversed with abroad, and his abilities are fully answerable to the report
of him.
Prot. What character do you give of the present King?
437 Wh. I had the honour divers times to be with his Majesty, who did that extraordinary honour to me as to
visit me at my house; he is a person of great worth, honour, and abilities, and not inferior to any in courage
and military conduct.
Prot. That was an exceeding high favour, to come to you in person.
Wh. He never did the like to any public minister. But this, and all other honour done to me, was but to testify
their respects to your Highness, the which indeed was very great, both there, and where I passed in Germany.
Prot. I am obliged to them for their very great civility.
Wh. Both the Queen, and the King, and his brother, and the Archbishop, and the Chancellor, and most of the
grandees, gave testimony of very great respect to your Highness, and that not only by their words, but by their
actions likewise.
Prot. I shall be ready to acknowledge their respects upon any occasion.
July 3, 1654. 194

Wh. The like respects were testified to your Highness in Germany, especially by the town of Hamburg; where
I endeavoured, in your Highness’s name, to confirm the privileges of the English merchants, who, with
your Resident there, showed much kindness to me and my company.
Prot. I shall heartily thank them for it. Is the Court of Sweden gallant, and full of resort to it?
Wh. They are extreme gallant for their clothes; and for company, most of the nobility and the civil and
military officers make their constant residence where the Court is, and many repair thither on all occasions.
438 Prot. Is their administration of justice speedy? and have they many law-suits?
Wh. They have justice in a speedier way than with us, but more arbitrary, and fewer causes, in regard that the
boors dare not contend with their lords; and they have but few contracts, because they have but little trade;
and there is small use of conveyances or questions of titles, because the law distributes every man’s
estate after his death among his children, which they cannot alter, and therefore have the fewer contentions.
Prot. That is like our gavelkind.
Wh. It is the same thing; and in many particulars of our laws, in cases of private right, and of the public
Government, especially in their Parliaments, there is a strange resemblance between their law and ours.
Prot. Perhaps ours might some of them be brought from thence.
Wh. Doubtless they were, when the Goths and Saxons, and those northern people, planted themselves here.
Prot. You met with a barren country, and very cold.
Wh. The remoter parts of it from the Court are extreme barren; but at Stockholm and Upsal, and most of the
great towns, they have store of provisions; but fat beef and mutton in the winter-time is not so plentiful with
them as in the countries more southerly; and their hot weather in summer as much exceeds ours, as their cold
doth in winter.
Prot. That is somewhat troublesome to endure; but how could you pass over their very long winter nights?
Wh. I kept my people together and in action and recreation, by having music in my house, and encouraging
that and the exercise of dancing, which held 439 them by the ears and eyes, and gave them diversion without
any offence. And I caused the gentlemen to have disputations in Latin, and declamations upon words which I
gave them.
Prot. Those were very good diversions, and made your house a little academy.
Wh. I thought these recreations better than gaming for money, or going forth to places of debauchery.
Prot. It was much better. And I am glad you had so good an issue of your treaty.
Wh. I bless God for it, and shall be ready to give your Highness a particular account of it, when you shall
appoint a time for it.
Prot. I think that Thursday next, in the morning, will be a good time for you to come to the Council, and to
make your report of the transactions of your negotiation; and you and I must have many discourses upon these
arguments.
July 3, 1654. 195

Wh. I shall attend your Highness and the Council.
July 4, 1654.
Whitelocke’s friends celebrate his return. This day was spent in visits, very much company resorting to
Whitelocke’s house to bid him welcome into England, so that, by the multitude of company, he had
not any opportunity of recollecting himself and his thoughts, touching the matters which he was to
communicate to the Council the next day; but it could not be avoided, and he must take such time as would be
afforded him.
July 5, 1654.
A solemn thanksgiving for his safe return. By Whitelocke’s appointment, all his company who 440
were with him in Sweden, came this day to his house at Chelsea, where divers others of his good friends met
them, to the intent they might all join together in returning humble and hearty thanks to God for his great
mercy and goodness to them, in their preservation and wonderful deliverances in their voyage, in blessing
them with health and with success in their business, and bringing all of them in safety and comfort to their
native country and most dear relations.
Being for this end met together in a large room prepared for them, they began the duty; and first, Mr. Peters
acquainted them with the occasion of the meeting, recommending all to the direction and assistance of the
Lord. He spoke to them upon the Psalm pertinent to the occasion, and to the mention of the voyage, hardships,
dangers, and difficulties, wherein God had delivered them; and what sense these things ought to work upon
their hearts, and what thankfulness they ought to return to God for his mercies.
After a psalm sung, Mr. Ingelo, one of Whitelocke’s chaplains, prayed with them, and then amplified
the favours and deliverances which God had wrought for them, the great difficulties and dangers wherein He
had preserved them, and their unworthiness of any mercy; he exhorted them to all gratitude to the Author of
their mercies: in all which he expressed himself with much piety, ingenuity, and with great affection. Mr.
George Downing, who had been a chaplain to a regiment in the army, expounded a place of Scripture very
suitable to the occasion, and very ingeniously and pertinently. After him, Mr. Stapleton 441 prayed very well,
and spake pertinently and feelingly to the rest of the company, his fellow-travellers. Then they sang another
psalm; and after that, Mr. Cokaine spake very well and piously, and gave good exhortations on the same
subject.
Whitelocke’s address to his company. When all these gentlemen had ended their discourses proper for
the occasion, Whitelocke himself spake to the company to this effect:—
“Gentlemen,
“You have heard from our worthy Christian friends many words of precious truth, with which I hope
all our souls are refreshed, and do pray that our practice may be conformed. The duty of this day, and of every
person, is gratiarum actio: I wish we may all act thankfulness to our God, whereunto we are all obliged who
have received so great benefits from Him. In a more peculiar manner than others I hold myself obliged to
render thanks—
“1. To our God, who hath preserved us all, and brought us in safety and comfort to our dear country
and relations.
July 4, 1654. 196

“2. To our Christian friends, from whom we have received such powerful instructions this day, and
prayers all the days of our absence.
“3. To you, Gentlemen, who have shown so much affection and respect in bearing me company in a
journey so full of hardships and dangers.
“I am of the opinion of the Roman soldier who told Cæsar, ‘I have in my own person fought for
thee, and therefore that the Emperor ought in his own person to plead for the soldier’ (which he did);
and have in your own persons endured all the hardships, difficulties, and dangers with me: and were I as able
as Cæsar, I hold myself as much obliged in my own person to serve you, and, to the utmost of my capacity,
shall do all good offices for any of you, who have, with so much affection, respect, and hazard, adventured
your persons with me.
442 “I am obliged, and do return my hearty thanks, to our worthy friends who have so excellently
performed the work of the day, and shall pray that it may be powerful upon every one of our hearts, to build
us up in the knowledge of this duty; and I should be glad to promise, in the name of all my company, that we
shall give a ready and constant observance of those pious instructions we have received from you.
“Some here have been actors with us in our story; have gone down to the sea in ships and done
business in great waters; have seen the works of God and His wonders in the deep; His commanding and
raising the stormy wind, lifting up the waves thereof, which mount up to the heavens and go down again to
the deep, whose souls have melted because of trouble, and have been at their wits’ end: then have cried
unto the Lord in their distress, and He hath brought them out of trouble. We have seen Him make the storm a
calm, and the waves thereof still: then were we glad, and He brought us to our desired harbour. Oh that we
would praise the Lord for His goodness, for His wonderful works! Let us exalt Him in the congregation of the
people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders.
“These my companions, who have been actors, and others, I hope will give me leave to make them
auditors of some special providences of the Lord, wherein we may all reap benefit from the relation. The
Apostle saith, 2 Pet. i., ‘Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these
things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth.’ To all I may say, with the wise
man (Prov. viii.), ‘Hear! for I will speak of excellent things,’ free mercies, great deliverances,
wonderful preservations: excellent things to those who were sharers of them in action, and for the
contemplation of those who are hearers of them; therefore I may shortly recite some of the most eminent of
them.
“In the first day of our voyage with a fair wind, at 443 night it changed, and we were stopped till
comfortable letters came to me, which otherwise could not have come, and were no sooner answered but the
wind came fair again. When we toiled in the open sea with cross winds and tempests, driven near to our own
coast back again, God sent us then fair weather and a good gale for our voyage. How was He pleased to bring
us so very near great danger on the Riff, and then bring us safe off from it and hold on our course again!
“When we were in no small danger in the tempestuous seas on the back of the Skaw, when the anchors
dragged a league in one night with the storm, and every moment we expected to be devoured by the raging
waves, there the Lord was also our deliverer; as He also was upon the rocky coast of Norway and in the
difficult passage to the harbour of Gothenburg. Throughout our voyage the providence of God watched over
us and protected us. Thus did He in our land journey, where the extreme hardships we were put unto are
sufficiently known to all of us, and will to our life’s end be felt by some of us.
“My particular preservation was wonderful from an intended assassination by one who thrust himself
into my company to have the better opportunity to execute it; but, overcome with kindness, his heart relented,
July 5, 1654. 197

and he forsook his purpose and my company.
“If the snow had fallen (as in other years) in the time of our travel, we could not have passed our
journey; but He who rules the heavens and the earth restrained it till we came within half a day of our
journey’s end, and in safety He conducted us to Upsal. The same Providence kept us there, and when
some of our company were sick and hurt, restored health again.
“It was marvellous and unexpected, that in a foreign country, at such a distance from friends and
acquaintance, God should raise us up friends out of strangers, namely the Queen, foreign ministers, and great
officers, in whose sight we found wonderful favour, to our preservation under God 444 and a great means of
effecting what we came about, maugre the labours and designs of our enemies against it, and their plots and
attempts for our destruction, had not our Rock of Defence secured us.
“I should detain you very long, though I hope it would not be thought too long, to recite all our
remarkable mercies; and it is an excellent thing that they are so numerous. We are now coming homewards.
How did our God preserve us over the Baltic Sea from innumerable dangers of the rocks, sands, coasts,
islands, fierce lightnings, storms, and those high-swelling waters! Such was our preservation in the Elbe,
when our countrymen leaped into the water to bring us off from danger, and when the tempests hurried us up
and down, by Heligoland, then towards Holland, then to the northward, then to the southward, in the open
breaking rough seas, when we had lost our course and knew not where we were.
“Above all other was that most eminent deliverance near our own coast, when our ship was stuck upon
the sand twelve leagues from any shore, when no help nor human means were left to save us, when pale death
faced us so long together, when no hopes remained to escape his fury or the rages of the waves, which we
expected every instant to swallow us; even then, to show where our dependence ought to be, our God would
make it His own work to deliver us. He it was that raised the wind, and brought it from the higher part of the
bank, to shake our fastened ship, and crumble the loose sands; and no sooner had we taken a resolution of
praying and resigning our souls to God, but He gave us our lives again, moving our ship by His powerful arm,
making it to float again, none knowing how or by what means, but by the free act of His mercy, and not a
return of ours, but of the prayers of some here present, and divers others our Christian friends, who at that
very time were met together to seek the Lord for us and for our safe return.
“Methinks the hearts of us who were partakers of these 445 mercies should rejoice in the repetition of
them, and those that hear them cannot but say they hear excellent things; and certainly never had any men
more cause than we have of returning humble and hearty thanks to God who hath thus saved us.
“And having received these mercies, and been delivered out of these distresses, I may say to you, as
Jacob said to his household (Gen. xxxv.), ‘Let us arise and go to Bethel;’ let us serve God and
praise His name who answered us in the day of our distress, and was with us in the way which we went. Let
us also keep Jacob’s vow: ‘The Lord hath been with us and kept us in our way, and brought us
again to our fathers’ house in peace; let the Lord be our God.’ Let not any of our former
vanities or lusts, or love of the world, be any more our God, but let the Lord be our God; let our thanksgiving
appear in owning the Lord for our God, and in walking answerable to our mercies; let our prayers be
according to the counsel of the Apostle (Eph. v.), ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly, giving thanks
always for all things.’ How much more are we bound to do it from our special mercies!
“Gentlemen, give me leave to conclude with my particular thanks to you who accompanied me in my
journey, and have manifested very much respect, care, diligence, courage, and discretion. You have, by your
demeanour, done honour to our profession of religion, to our country, to yourselves, to your Ambassador, who
will be ready to testify the same on all occasions, and to do you all good offices; chiefly in bearing you
company to return praises to our God, whose mercies endure for ever.”
July 5, 1654. 198

After these exercises performed, wherein Whitelocke was the more large in manifesting the abounding of his
sense of the goodness of God towards him, and was willing also to recollect his thoughts for another occasion,
the company retired themselves; and Whitelocke complimented his particular friends, giving 446 them many
thanks who had shown kindness to his wife and family, and had taken care of his affairs in his absence.
A banquet held in State, as in Sweden. He bid them all welcome, and desired them to accompany company
him the next day to his audience before the Protector and Council. Then he led them into a great room, where
the table was spread, and all things in the same state and manner as he used to have them in Sweden, that his
friends might see the fashion of his being served when he was in that condition, and as his farewell to those
pomps and vanities.
The trumpets sounding, meat was brought in, and the mistress of the house made it appear that England had as
good and as much plenty of provisions as Sweden, Denmark, or Germany. His friends and company sat down
to meat as they used to do in Sweden; the attendants, pages, lacqueys, and others, in their liveries, did their
service as they were accustomed abroad. Their discourse was full of cheerfulness and recounting of
God’s goodness; and both the time of the meat and the afternoon was spent in rejoicing together for the
present mercy, and for the whole series of God’s goodness to them; and in the evening they parted,
every one to his own quarters.
July 6, 1654.
Whitelocke give an account of his Embassy to the Council. Whitelocke went in the morning early to
Whitehall. At Secretary Thurloe’s lodging he found most of his company, the gentlemen in their
habits, the others in their liveries; and in a short time they were all come together, to attend their Ambassador
to his last audience, who was put to the patience of staying an hour 447 and a half at Master
Secretary’s lodging before he was called in to his Highness; then, being sent for, he went, attended in
the same manner as he used to go to his audiences in Sweden. Being come to the outward room, he was
presently brought into the Council-chamber, where the Protector sat in his great chair at the upper end of the
table, covered, and his Council sat bare on each side of the table. After ceremonies performed by Whitelocke,
and great respect shown him by the Protector and his Council, Whitelocke spake to this effect:—
“May it please your Highness,
“I attend, by your command, to give an account of the discharge of that great trust and weighty burden
which, through the assistance of God, I have undergone in my employment to Sweden, and with the success
of that negotiation, wherein I shall not waste much of your time, for which you have other great affairs; but, in
as few words as I can, I shall with clearness and truth acquaint your Highness and your Honourable Council
with those matters which I apprehend most fit and worthy of your knowledge.
“After the receipt of my commission and instructions from the Parliament then sitting, to go
Ambassador to Sweden, I neglected no time, how unseasonable soever, to transport myself to that country.
Upon the 5th of November I embarked at the Hope, and after ten days’ voyage, through many storms,
enemies, and dangers, it pleased God on the 15th of November to bring me in safety, with all my company,
into the port of Gothenburg. The next day I despatched two of my servants to the Court with letters to Prince
Adolphus, the Grand Master, and to the Ricks-Chancellor of Sweden, to advertise them of my arrival, and to
desire their advice whither to direct my journey to attend the Queen.
“In this city I received many civilities and testimonies of respect to your Highness and this
Commonwealth from 448 the magistrates, officers, and others there; and a small contest I had with a
Dutchman, a Vice-Admiral of her Majesty’s, about our war with his countrymen, and about some
July 6, 1654. 199

prizes brought in by me, wherein I took the liberty to justify the proceedings of this State, and ordered, upon
submission, the release of a small Dutch prize taken by me.
“Having refreshed myself and company some days, I began my land journey the last day of November.
The military officers accompanied me out of town; the citizens and garrison-soldiers stood to their arms, and
with many volleys of great and small shot (the bullets passing somewhat too near for compliments) they gave
me an honourable farewell.
“In our journey we met with extreme hardships, both in the weather and in want of necessary
accommodations. The greater towns where we quartered showed much respect to your Highness and this
Commonwealth; only in one town a little affront was given in words by a prætor, who acknowledged his fault,
and it appeared to proceed more from drink than judgement. In all places the officers took great care, with
what the country would afford, to furnish what I wanted; the ways were prepared, waggons and horses
brought in, and all things requisite were done by the country, upon command of her Majesty.
“After twenty-one days in our land-journey, near four hundred miles from Gothenburg up into the
country, in that climate in December, it pleased God through all our difficulties to bring us safe to Upsal the
20th of December. About half a league from the town, the Master of the Ceremonies, and after him two
Senators with two coaches of the Queen’s, and those of the Spanish Resident and of divers grandees,
met me, and with more than ordinary ceremony conducted me to a house in the town, by the Queen’s
order taken up and furnished for me. Divers compliments passed from the Queen herself and many of her
Court, expressing much respect to your Highness and this Commonwealth, in the person of your servant.
449 “By favour I obtained my first audience from the Queen the 23rd of December, the particular
passages whereof (as of most other matters which I have to mention) were in my letters imparted, as they
arose, to Mr. Secretary Thurloe, and by him, I presume, to your Highness and the Council. Two or three days
after this I procured a private audience from her Majesty, when I showed her my commission, and took time
to wait on her with my proposals.
“The Spanish Resident, Don Piementelle, now in this Court, expressed high respects for your Highness
and this Commonwealth, and particular affection to me; and I, knowing his great favour with the Queen and
his own worth, contracted an intimacy of friendship with him, as I had also with M. Woolfeldt, the King of
Denmark’s brother-in-law, with Field-Marshal Wrangel, Grave Tott, the Queen’s favourite, and
with divers senators and great men, but especially with the old Chancellor.
“I found very useful for your Highness’s service there Mr. Lagerfeldt, Secretary Canterstein,
Mr. Ravius, and others; and I had good assistance from my countrymen, General-Major Fleetwood, a true
friend to England, my Lord Douglas, Colonel Hamilton, and others.
“And having now given your Highness some account of persons, I come to the matter of my
negotiation, which I laid the best I could.
“By advice I made my applications to the Queen herself, and, as much as I could, put the business
upon her personal determination, which she liked, and it proved advantageous. I presented to her at once all
my articles, except three reserved. The articles proposed a league offensive and defensive; whereupon she
objected the unsettledness of our Commonwealth, the present peace of her kingdoms, and our being involved
in a war. To which I answered, that her kingdoms could not long continue in peace, and would have as much
need of our assistance as we of theirs; and our war and successes against Holland were arguments that our
friendship merited acceptance; 450 that I hoped our Commonwealth was settled, and that leagues were
between nations, not governments.
July 6, 1654. 200

“This debate was very large with her Majesty, who seemed satisfied with my answers, and appointed
her Chancellor to treat with me; who much more insisted upon the unsettledness of our Commonwealth and
upon the same objections which the Queen had made, and received from me the same answers; which proved
the more satisfactory after the news of your Highness’s accession to the Government, which made this
treaty proceed more freely.
“I had often and long disputes with the Chancellor upon the article touching English rebels being
harboured in Sweden; most of all, touching contraband goods, and about reparation of the losses of the
Swedes by prizes taken from them in our Dutch war by us, besides many other objections, whereof I have
given a former account by letters. The Chancellor being sick, his son Grave Eric was commissioned to treat
with me in his father’s stead, and was much more averse to my business, and more earnest upon the
objections, than the old man, whom, being recovered, I found more moderate, yet we could not agree one way
or other. And when I pressed for a conclusion, both the Queen and her Chancellor did ingenuously
acknowledge, that they desired first to see whether the peace would be made between us and Holland, before
they came to a determination upon my treaty; wherein I could not but apprehend reason: and when the news
came that the peace between your Highness and the Dutch was concluded, I urged a conclusion of my treaty;
and what the Chancellor and I differed in, the Queen was pleased to reconcile, and so we came to the full
agreement contained in this instrument, signed and sealed by the Queen’s Commissioners, which I
humbly present to your Highness and this Honourable Board; and which I hope, through the goodness of God,
may be of advantage to this Commonwealth, and to the Protestant interest.”
Here Whitelocke, making a little pause, delivered 451 into the Protector’s hand the instrument of his
treaty, fairly written in Latin, in a book of vellum, with the hands and seals to it of the Ricks-Chancellor and
his son Grave Eric, which being done, Whitelocke went on in his speech.
“I cannot but acknowledge the great goodness of God to me in this employment, in my preservation
from attempts against my person, raising me up such eminent friends, giving me so much favour in the eyes of
strangers, inclining the Queen’s heart to an extraordinary affection and favour towards me, and giving
this good success to my business, notwithstanding the designs and labours of many enemies to the contrary.
The treaty with me being thus finished, the business came on of the Queen’s resignation of the Crown,
wherein she was pleased to express a great confidence in a stranger, by imparting it to me many weeks before,
whereof I took the boldness to certify your Highness.
“The Prince who was to succeed the Queen was sent for to Upsal, and their Ricksdag, or Parliament,
was to meet there in the beginning of May. Your Highness will not expect many arguments of your
servant’s longing desires of returning, when he had advice that your frigates sent for him were in the
Elbe; yet, judging it might conduce to your service to salute the Prince, I staid till his entry (which was in
great state) into Upsal, where I saluted him from your Highness, and acquainted him with my negotiation,
which he well approved; and, to testify his great respect to your Highness and this Commonwealth, he came in
person to visit me at my house, and used me with so much extraordinary favour and ceremony, that never the
like had been done before to any ambassador. We had several conferences at large, much discourse of your
Highness and of this Commonwealth, with the particulars whereof I shall acquaint you at your better leisure.
“The time of the Queen’s resignation being near, I thought it not convenient for me to be then
upon the place, 452 but removed to Stockholm; where I was when the resignation and new coronation were
solemnized at Upsal. The magistrates of Stockholm expressed good respect to your Highness and this
Commonwealth. From hence I embarked the 1st of June, in a good ship of the Queen’s, to cross the
Baltic Sea. She sent one of her Vice-Admirals, Clerke, to attend me; and, after a dangerous voyage and bad
weather, the Lord gave us a safe arrival at Lübeck, on the 7th of June. The magistrates, by their Syndic, here
bid me welcome and expressed some respect, and made some requests by me to your Highness.
July 6, 1654. 201

“From Lübeck I travelled over Holstein and Lüneburg, and came the 10th of June to Hamburg; where I
was also very civilly saluted by some of the magistrates and Syndic; and most of the Lords came afterwards to
me, and testified extraordinary respect and service to your Highness and this Commonwealth. My
countrymen, the company of Merchant Adventurers there, showed very much kindness to me, and I
endeavoured to do them service to the Lords of the town, making use of your Highness’s name therein.
“I departed from Hamburg the 17th of June; Mr. Bradshaw, your Highness’s worthy Resident
there, and others of my countrymen, showing much kindness to me, both whilst I was there and at my
departure from this city. I embarked in your Highness’s frigate, near Glückstadt, but was detained for
some days in the Elbe by cross winds, and in some danger, but in more when we came into the open sea. But
above all, the Lord was pleased to appear for us on the 28th day of June, when our ship stuck upon the sands,
above twelve leagues off from the coast of Yarmouth: and when there was no means or help of men for our
escape, but we expected every moment to be drowned by the waves, then it pleased God to show his power
and free mercy by his own hand to deliver us, and, after two hours’ expectation of death, to reprieve
us, to set our ship on float again, and to bring us all in health and safety to your Highness’s presence,
and to our dear country and relations.
453 “The Queen and the new King were pleased to honour me with jewels off their pictures, and a gift
of copper, I having bestowed my horses (of more worth) on them and whom they appointed, and which I
refused to sell, as a thing uncomely for my condition in your Highness’s service.
“Thus, Sir, I have given you a clear and full account of my transactions; and, as I may justify my own
diligence and faithfulness therein, so I cannot but condemn my many weaknesses and failings; of which I can
only say that they were not wilful, and make a humble demand to your Highness and this honourable Council,
that I may obtain your pardon.”
When Whitelocke had ended his speech and a little pause made, the Protector, pulling off his hat and presently
putting it on again, desired Whitelocke to withdraw, which he did, and within a quarter of an hour was called
in again. The Protector, using the same ceremony as before, spake to him to this effect:—
Cromwell’s answer to his speech. “My Lord,
“The Council and myself have heard the report of your journey and negotiation with much
contentment and satisfaction, and both we and you have cause to bless God for your return home with safety,
honour, and good success, in the great trust committed to you; wherein this testimony is due to you, that you
have discharged your trust with faithfulness, diligence, and prudence, as appears by the account you have
given us, and the issue of the business. Truly, when persons to whom God hath given so good abilities, as He
hath done to you, shall put them forth as you have done, for His glory and for the good of His people, they
may expect a blessing from Him, as you have received in an ample measure.
“An acknowledgment is also due to them from their country, who have served their country faithfully
and successfully, 454 as you have done. I can assure your Lordship it is in my heart, really it is, and, I think,
in the hearts of all here, that your services in this employment may turn to an account of advantage to you and
yours; and it is just and honourable that it should be so.
“The Lord hath shown extraordinary mercy to you and to your company, in the great deliverances
which he hath vouchsafed to you; and especially in that eminent one which you have related to us, when you
were come near your own country, and the enjoyment of the comforts of your safe return. It was indeed a
great testimony of God’s goodness to you all,—a very signal mercy, and such a one as ought to
raise up your hearts and our hearts in thankfulness to God, who hath bestowed this mercy on you; and it is a
mercy also to us as well as to you, though yours more personally, who were thus saved and delivered by the
July 6, 1654. 202

special hand of Providence.
“The goodness of God to you was also seen in the support of you, under those hardships and dangers
which you have undergone in this service; let it be your comfort that your service was for God, and for his
people, and for your country. And now that you have, through his goodness, passed them over, and he hath
given you a safe return unto your country, the remembrance of those things will be pleasant to you, and an
obligation for an honourable recompense of your services performed under all those hardships and dangers.
“For the treaty which you have presented to us, signed and sealed by the Queen’s
Commissioners, I presume it is according to what you formerly gave advice to us from Sweden. We shall take
time to peruse it, and the Council have appointed a committee to look into it, together with your instructions,
and such other papers and things as you have further to offer to them: and I may say it, that this treaty hath the
appearance of much good, not only to England, but to the Protestant interest throughout Christendom; and I
hope it will be found so, and your service 455 thereby have its due esteem and regard, being so much for
public good, and so discreetly and successfully managed by you.
“My Lord, I shall detain you no longer, but to tell you that you are heartily welcome home; that we are
very sensible of your good service, and shall be ready on all occasions to make a real acknowledgment thereof
to you.”
When the Protector had done speaking, Whitelocke withdrew into the outward room, whither Mr. Scobell,
Clerk of the Council, came to him with a message from the Protector, that Whitelocke would cause those of
his retinue, then present, to go in to the Protector and Council, which they did; and the Protector spake to them
with great courtesy and favour, bidding them welcome home, blessing God for their safe return to their friends
and native country, and for the great deliverances which He had wrought for them. He commended their care
of Whitelocke and their good deportment, by which they had testified much courage and civility, and had
done honour to religion and to their country; he gave them thanks for it, and assurance of his affection to them
when any occasion should be offered for their good or preferment. They withdrew, full of hopes, every one of
them, to be made great men; but few of them attained any favour, though Whitelocke solicited for divers of
them who were very worthy of it.
This audience being ended, and with it Whitelocke’s commission, he willingly parted with his
company and greatness, and contentedly retired himself with his wife and children in his private family. After
his return from the Council, Whitelocke dismissed his company and went to those gentlemen whom he had
desired 456 to act as a committee for him before his going out of England; these he desired to examine the
state of his accounts with his officers, to satisfy what remained due to any, and to make up his account, to be
given in tomorrow to the Council’s committee.
July 7, 1654.
Whitelocke renders a minute account of the negotiation to a Committee of Council. According to the
appointment of the Protector and Council, signified to him by a letter from Mr. Jessop, Clerk of the Council,
Whitelocke repaired to Whitehall, to the Lord Viscount Lisle and Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes, the Committee
of the Council, appointed to peruse and examine his proceedings: to them he produced his commission,
orders, credentials, and instructions; and all was sifted into, by virtue whereof he acted throughout by his
whole Embassy.
He deduced his negotiation from the beginning of his Treaty to the conclusion of it, with all the reasons and
circumstances of his transactions. They took cognizance of all, narrowly searched into and examined
everything, comparing all particular passages and actions with the rules and instructions given him; and upon
July 7, 1654. 203

the whole matter they acknowledged that Whitelocke had given them full satisfaction in every point, and all
his proceedings were by them, and upon their report to the Protector and Council afterwards, fully approved
and commended by them.
July 8, 1654.
The Committee of Council audits his accounts. Whitelocke again solicited the Committee of the Council that
his accounts might be examined and stated, and order given for the payment of what remained 457 due to him,
which he had expended out of his own purse in their service, and was reasonable for him to expect a
reimbursement of it. The Committee were pleased to take great pains in pursuing and examining his papers,
books, and accounts, not omitting (with strictness enough) any particular of his actions and expenses; and
after all their strait inquisition and narrow sitting, they again acknowledged, which upon their report was
confirmed by the Council, that his management of this affair had been faithful and prudent, his disbursements
had been just and necessary, his account was clear and honest, and that he ought to be satisfied with what
remained upon his accounts due to him. The remainder due to him was above £500, and, notwithstanding all
their promises, Whitelocke could never get it of them.
The sum of all was, that for a most difficult and dangerous work, faithfully and successfully performed by
Whitelocke, he had little thanks and no recompense from those who did employ him; but, not long after, was
rewarded by them with an injury: they put him out of his office of Commissioner of the Great Seal, because
he would not betray the rights of the people, and, contrary to his own knowledge and the knowledge of those
who imposed it, execute an ordinance of the Protector and his Council as if it had been a law. But in a
succeeding Parliament, upon the motion of his noble friend the Lord Broghill, Whitelocke had his arrears of
his disbursements paid him, and some recompense of his faithful service allowed unto him.
His hopes were yet higher, and his expectation of acceptance was from a superior to all earthly powers; 458 to
whom only the praise is due, of all our actions and endeavours, and who will certainly reward all his servants
with a recompense which will last for ever.
July 9, 1654.
A familiar letter. I received this letter from my brother Willoughby:—
“For my Lord Whitelocke, at Chelsea, humbly these.
“My Lord,
“I being this day commanded by the two within-named persons in your letter to consummate their
nuptials, and in that to bear the part of a father, am so confident of my power, as (were it not my Lord
Whitelocke’s request, whose interest with them exceeds a mock father) he might be assured of not
failing of his commands; but that done which this morning I am going about, I am by them desired to jog on
to Stanstead, so that I fear I shall by that means be disappointed of attending you upon Wednesday; and that, I
assure you, will go to Nancy’s heart, she being yesterday resolved to have visited you this morning at
Chelsea, had she not apprehended your early being in town; but wherever we are, our thankfulness to God for
your safe return you shall not fail of, nor of the keeper tomorrow night. So I rest,
“My Lord,
“Your affectionate brother to serve you,
July 8, 1654. 204

“Will. Willoughby.
“July.”
I have inserted this and other letters, that you may observe the change of styles and compliments in the change
of fortunes and conditions.
July 10, 1654.

I had been several times to visit my Lord Lambert since my coming home, he being a person in great favour
with the army, and not without some close emulation 459 from Cromwell; but his occasions were so great,
that I could not meet with him. I therefore desired the Earl of Clare, who was very intimate with Lambert, to
contrive a conveniency for my meeting with my Lord Lambert, whereupon he sent me this letter, directed
“For the Lord Whitelocke, at Chelsea.
“My Lord,
“Hearing your Lordship had been several times to see my Lord Lambert and missed, and I desiring that
there should be no mistakes between you, I sent Mr. Bankes to signify so much to his cousin Lambert, who,
being come this morning to town, says he will be very glad to see your Lordship about two this afternoon, and
Mr. Bankes will wait on your Lordship to him, if you please to be in the Park, in the walk between the elms
on this side the water. So I rest
“Your Lordship’s humble servant,
“Clare.”
I met Mr. Bankes at the time appointed, who brought me to my Lord Lambert, and he received me with great
civility and respect; we had much discourse together about Sweden, and Germany, and Denmark, and the
business of my treaty; and we parted with all kindness, and he desired to have my company often.
July 11, 1654.

I received this letter from my Lady Pratt:—
“For my ever-honoured friend the Lord Whitelocke, these humbly.
“My Lord,
“Hearing that it is absolutely in your power to dispose of the time of the Assizes, and an unexpected
accident being 460 fallen out, which, will make them extremely prejudicial to us if they begin so soon, my
humble suit to your Lordship is to defer them till, etc. This favour, as it will be an extraordinary great one, so
it will lay a suitable obligation upon,
“My Lord, your most humble servant,
“Margaret Pratt.”
July 9, 1654. 205

I could not gratify this lady’s desire, being not yet sworn a Commissioner of the Great Seal; but I
returned her a civil answer and excuse; and I have inserted the more letters, that you may see the style and
compliments of divers persons, and note their change upon the change of times.
July 12, 1654.

A more formal letter. I received this letter from the Lord Chief Baron Wylde:—
“For the Right Honourable the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke, these, at Chelsea.
“Right Honourable and my very good Lord,
“It is not my happiness to be in place or condition to wait upon your Lordship, as I would, to present
my humble service to you, and the gratulations due for your safe and happy return, for your long and
hazardous, but I hope successful journey, wishing the honour and happiness which belongs to your most
known deservings may ever attend you, with a reward from above for those inestimable favours by which you
have for ever obliged me to you and all that is mine; who, after the long course I have run, through all the
degrees of my laborious calling, my services to my country and the Commonwealth, my great losses and
sufferings for the public, and the discharge of my duty in all my several trusts and employments, have now the
hoped-for comfort of all removed from me, and a dark shadow cast upon me, with all the sad consequences
thereof to me and 461 mine, and many others that have dependence on me. But God gives and takes, and is
able to restore; His help I trust in, and shall still desire the continuance of your Lordship’s undoubted
favours, whose health and happiness I shall ever pray for, who am,
“My Lord,
“Your Lordship’s most faithful servant,
“John Wylde.
“Hampstead, 12th July, 1654.”
This gentleman was very laborious in the service of the Parliament, and stiff for them, and had sustained great
losses and hatred by adhering in all matters to them. He was learned in his profession, but of more reading
than depth of judgement; and I never heard of any injustice or incivility of him. The Parliament made him
Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, which place he executed with diligence and justice; yet upon the
alteration made by Cromwell, when he assumed the Protectorship, in the nomination of officers he left out Mr.
Sergeant Wylde from being Chief Baron or any other employment,—a usual reward, in such times, for
the best services. He entreated me to move the Protector on his behalf, which I did, but to no effect, the
Protector having a dislike of the Sergeant, but the ground thereof I could not learn.
Whitelocke’s influence in Oxfordshire. Most places were full of trouble about their elections of
Parliament men. I had recommended my son James to some of my friends in Oxfordshire, for one of the
knights for that county, myself being chosen for the city of Oxford and for the borough of Bedford, and one of
the knights for Bucks. I had at this time such an interest in Oxfordshire, that upon my account my son James
was chosen for one of their knights for the Parliament, as appears by this letter to me:—
462 “For the Right Honourable his dear Father the Lord Commissioner Whitelocke, at Chelsea, these.
Haste, haste.
July 11, 1654. 206

“Dear Sir,
“I held it my duty, upon the instant of the conclusion of the elections at this place, to acquaint you that
I am chosen one of the knights for the county in the next Parliament. I am told that the number of voices
might justly have given the first place to me; but I freely resigned it to Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, not
suffering it to be brought to trial by the poll, which many of the country desired. The persons elected are
Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, Mr. Robert Jenkinson, Colonel Nathaniel Fynes, Mr. Lenthall, Master of the
Rolls, and myself.
“Many of your friends appeared really for me, amongst which I can experimentally say none acted
more effectually than my cousin Captain Crooke, his father, and brother. The city of Oxford was prepared
very seasonably for me, wherein my cousin Richard Crooke’s affections did particularly appear; and I
conceive that if you shall be pleased to waive the election for the city of Oxford, no truer friend could be
commended by you for their choice than my cousin Richard Crooke, in regard of his interest there, if you
think it fit. I shall say no more at present in this haste, but expect your commands in all things, who am
“Your most obedient son,
“J. Whitelocke.
“Oxford, July 12, 1654.”
The gentlemen of Oxfordshire did generally manifest great civility and respect to me in this business of my
son; so did the citizens of Oxford; and the scholars were not behindhand in the expression of their favour and
good opinion of me and my son, and they stood stoutly and generally for my son to be one of the knights for
the county. Thus was my interest at this time sufficient to make another to be knight of 463 the shire; yet
when my condition fell, my interest fell with it, and I was looked upon as a stranger among them. Such is the
course and vicissitude of worldly things; therefore put no trust in them.
July 13, 1654.

Whitelocke summoned to resume the Commissionership of the Great Seal. This Order of the Council was
brought unto me:—
“Thursday, the 13th of July, 1654.
“At the Council at Whitehall: Ordered, by his Highness the Lord Protector and the Council, that the
Lord Commissioner Whitelocke do attend the Council tomorrow morning, to take his oath as one of the Lords
Commissioners for the Great Seal, and that the rest of the Lords Commissioners do then also attend with the
Seal.
“Henry Scobell,
Some of my friends thought it very long before this order was made, and looked upon it as some neglect to
me, whereof I was likewise sensible, but had no remedy; only it seemed hard that after so perilous an
undertaking, performed, through the blessing of God, faithfully and successfully on my part, my requital
should be a neglect of me and my services. Yet it pleased God to give me much patience and temperance to
bear this slighting and ingratitude, and I knew the condition of him from whom it came, who, when his turn
July 12, 1654. 207

was served, usually forgot the instruments.
July 14, 1654.

Receives the Seal. According to the Council’s Order, the Lords Commissioners Lisle and Widdrington
attended with the Seal at Whitehall, and I was there also. We were all 464 called into the Council, where the
Protector himself was sitting at the upper end of the table with his hat on, and the Council all uncovered. He
made a short and grave speech, how much I had deserved from the Commonwealth by the great and faithful
services I had performed for them, particularly in the treaty with Sweden. That in my absence, the custody of
the Great Seal being to be disposed of, the Council and himself having good experience of my fidelity and
abilities for that great trust, and as a testimony of their favour to me, they thought fit to nominate me for one
of the Commissioners of the Seal. And I being now, through the mercy of God, safely returned again into this
Commonwealth, they had appointed this time for me to take the oath of a Commissioner of the Great Seal, as
the rest of the Commissioners had done before.
I then desired to see the oath, which was shown to me, and finding it to be the same that I had taken before, I
took it now again; and after that, the Protector took the Great Seal in his hand and delivered it to me and the
other Commissioners, and so we did withdraw with it. Sir Thomas Widdrington seemed a little distasted that I
was the first Commissioner, named before him, which was done when I was out of England, and, I suppose,
because I was then Ambassador Extraordinary in their actual service. We went away together to consult about
the business of the Seal, and I sought to win Sir Thomas Widdrington by my civility to him.
July 15, 1654.

Entry of certain goods. I employed my brother Wilson to the Commissioners of the Customs, to get the copper
which I had 465 brought from Sweden, and some deal boards, to be discharged of paying custom, they being
my particular goods, concerning which my brother Wilson gave me this account by his letter; and also,
touching the arrears of my salary as Commissioner of the Great Seal during my absence out of England, and
for one term since my coming home.
“For the Right Honourable the Lord Commissioner Whitelocke, these; Chelsea.
“May it please your Lordship,
“This morning I waited on the Commissioners of the Customs with your Lordship’s letter, who
expressed much readiness to answer your expectation about the Customs of the copper and deal boards, had it
been in their power, their commission not exceeding a bill of store for forty shillings. But I am to wait on the
Commissioners at Whitehall for regulating the Customs, on Tuesday morning (who sit not till then); they have
power to grant the custom thereof, and carrying the letter from your Lordship, I question not but will take
effect, and so they have acquainted me; which letter I send enclosed, that you may please in the superscription
to add to the word Commissioners, ‘for regulating, etc.,’ which then will be fit to present to the
said committee. In the meantime I have procured an order to go to work upon the small vessel, which cannot
well be done until you are pleased to send word what shall be done with the deals, they being uppermost. If
the barge be not ready, if you think fit, I will hire a lighter and load her therewith, which may convey them to
Queenhithe or Chelsea, otherwise it will be less charge for a barge to take them in from the ship; your
Lordship’s pleasure shall be observed in all.
“I acquainted the Commissioners of the Customs of an order your Lordship had for £1000, which they
acquainted me should be paid as soon as brought to them; since which 466 I have received it from Mr. Earle,
which I also send enclosed, that you may please to put your name underneath it, that so receipt may be made
July 13, 1654. 208

over it after their form, and on Monday it will be paid.
“My humble service to my Lady, I beseech you, present. I shall await your Lordship’s answer,
and ever remain
“Your Lordship’s most obliged servant,
“Samuel Wilson.
“London, this 15th July, 1654.”
I ordered a Henley barge to take in the deal boards from the ship, and to carry them to Fawley Court, which
was done; and there I made use of them for new flooring my hall and for wainscoting of it. They were
extraordinary good boards, and those of the floor were about two inches thick. There they are, and there may
they long continue, for the use of me and my children; and may they put us in mind to bless God for his
goodness to me in that voyage, and in my safe return to that place, and of all his preservations and mercies to
me and my company!
I returned order to my brother Wilson, to be careful of receiving my money from the Commissioners of the
Customs.
July 16, 1654.

I had some conference with Major G. Disborough, one of the Commissioners for the Ordnance, about his
buying for the State the copper which the Queen of Sweden gave me, and I brought over from thence, being
two hundred and fifty ship-pound. I desired that some merchants might look upon it, who had experience in
that commodity; and what they should agree to be a reasonable price for it, I should be content to take it; and
so we concluded.
467 July 17, 1654.

Sale of copper. My brother Wilson gave me this account touching my moneys and copper:—
“For the Right Honourable the Lord Commissioner Whitelocke, these; at Chelsea.
“London, the 17th July, 1654.
“May it please your Lordship,
“I sent this morning to receive your moneys at the Custom-house, and they say there is no more due to
your Lordship than £750 for three terms, as is expressed in the receipt enclosed, which they have made. I
would not receive it until I knew your pleasure, which, if this sum doth agree with what is your due, you may
please to put your name to the enclosed receipt from them, and it will be paid in the morning. The order also I
send back, that you may please to take off your name from it and send it again by the bearer.
“In the morning we shall work upon the ship, and I shall wait on the Committee at Whitehall, for the
custom and excise of the copper to be free, which will come to £240. I hope I shall prevail, and shall always
remain
“Your Lordship’s humble servant,
July 15, 1654. 209

“Samuel Wilson.”
There was a mistake by the Commissioners of the Customs about my money, which I rectified, and had the
£1000 paid to my brother Wilson for my use. Touching the copper, I at length contracted with Major G.
Disborough, who bought it for the Protector, and gave me £2500 for it, which was justly paid unto me; and the
copper was employed to make brass ordnance for the ships, and was excellent good, and no ill bargain.
Mr. Henry Elsing. I received a letter from Mr. Henry Elsing, late 468 Clerk of the Parliament, and the best
clerk in my judgement that ever I knew, to take the sense of the House and put it in apt terms. He was an
excellent scholar,—had the Italian, French, and Latin languages; a very honest and ingenious man, and
fitter for much better employment than to be Clerk of the Parliament. He was my faithful and kind friend, and
I owe very much of affection and gratitude to the memory of this worthy gentleman. He was in great and
deserved favour of the House of Commons, and gave over his place because he would not meddle in the
business about the trial of the King. He often invited Mr. Selden and me together to his house to dinner, where
we had great cheer, and greater learning in excellent discourse, whereof himself bore a chief part. I was the
more frequent with him, being godfather to one of his sons, and Mr. Selden the other godfather, which
brought us two the oftener together to his house, to see our godson; and even in such meetings as these I
gained very much of knowledge from the most learned and rational discourses of Mr. Selden.
435 [Yet Whitelocke seems to have entertained no suspicions of the Queen’s design to join the Church
of Rome. Piementelle and Montecuculi were however aware of her intention on this point, and were
afterwards present at her abjuration.]
THE END.
JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, PRINTER,

LITTLE QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS.
The following corrections were made:
1. Original reads “of our father”; changed to “of your father”.

2. Original reads “more prejudical to Sweden”; changed to “more prejudicial to
Sweden”.
3. Original reads “contrabrand goods”; changed to “contraband goods”.
4. “Sunnandag” not italicised in original.
5. Original reads “Grave Eric’s requst”; changed to “Grave Eric’s
request”.
6. Original reads “unto the Prinee”; changed to “unto the Prince”.
7. Original reads “and and that”; changed to “and that”.
8. Original reads “Whitleocke”; changed to “Whitelocke”.
9. Original reads “bacon and other provison”; changed to “bacon and other
provision”.
10. Original reads “en suite dequoi”; changed to “en suite de quoi”.
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in

the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II., by Bulstrode Whitelocke
467 July 17, 1654. 210

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY ***
***** This file should be named 17407-h.htm or 17407-h.zip *****

This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/4/0/17407/
Produced by Barbara Tozier, Bill Tozier, Louise Pryor and

the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
http://www.pgdp.net
Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions

will be renamed.
Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules,
set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project
Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you
do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is
subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
redistribution.
*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free

distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
http://gutenberg.org/license).
Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm

electronic works
1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
467 July 17, 1654. 211

electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be

used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works. See paragraph 1.E below.
1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"

or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the
collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning
the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
States.
1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
467 July 17, 1654. 212

phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
copied or distributed:
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived

from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
1.E.9.
1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted

with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm

License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this

electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg-tm License.
1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,

performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
467 July 17, 1654. 213

unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing

access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
that
- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is
owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments
must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License. You must require such a user to return or
destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
Project Gutenberg-tm works.
- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any

money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
of receipt of the work.
- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm

electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the
Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
1.F.
1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable

effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
467 July 17, 1654. 214

property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
your equipment.
1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right

of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.
1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a

defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
opportunities to fix the problem.
1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied

warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
467 July 17, 1654. 215

or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm

work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of

electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
people in all walks of life.
Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the

assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive

Foundation
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit

501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.

Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at
809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact
information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
page at http://pglaf.org
For additional contact information:

Dr. Gregory B. Newby
Chief Executive and Director
gbnewby@pglaf.org
Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
467 July 17, 1654. 216

Literary Archive Foundation
Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide

spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
status with the IRS.
The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating

charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To
SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
particular state visit http://pglaf.org
While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we

have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.
International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make

any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic

works.
Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm

concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed

editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily
keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
467 July 17, 1654. 217

http://www.gutenberg.org
This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,

including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
467 July 17, 1654. 218

A Journal of The Swedish Embassy in The Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. by Whitelocke, Bulstrode, 1605-1675

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

A Journal of The Swedish Embassy in The Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. by Whitelocke, Bulstrode, 1605-1675

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

JOURNAL

THE SWEDISH EMBASSY

IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654.

IMPARTIALLY WRITTEN BY THE

AMBASSADOR BULSTRODE WHITELOCKE.

FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT

DR. CHARLES MORTON, M.D., F.S.A.,

HENRY REEVE, Esq., F.S.A.

“A wicked messenger falleth into mischief, but a faithful ambassador is health.”

Proverbs xiii. 17.

JOURNAL OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654. 1

THE SWEDISH EMBASSY

IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654.

Sch. This is my judgement of it, as well as my affection to it.

Sch. I believe they have.

Letter from the Protector. “For the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke.

“Your loving friend,

“Whitehall, 3rd February, 1653.”

“Most Serene and Potent Queen,

“Your good friend,

Whitelocke made many despatches this day to England.

Wh. They know nothing of my negotiation.

6. The sixth article, she said, was reasonable.

8. The eighth article she said was equal.

9. There was no difference upon it.

10. She judged fit to be agreed upon.

12. The like as upon the eleventh article.

March 10, 1653.

March 11, 1653.

March 10, 1653. 12

March 12, 1653.

March 11, 1653. 13

28 March 13, 1653.

Gr. Eric. So is the friendship of Sweden.

Wh. My Lord Protector hath testified that by sending me hither.

Wh. The gentleman hath done me an honour in that expression.

28 March 13, 1653. 14

They proceeded to the particular articles.

1. This, Eric said, was equal.

5. The like discourse was upon this article.

28 March 13, 1653. 15

10. Eric made no objection to this article.

11. Nor any to this article.

12. Nor was anything objected to this article.

March 14, 1653.

March 14, 1653. 16

the Low Countries.

March 15, 1653.

March 16, 1653.

March 15, 1653. 17

&ldquo;Your Excellence&rsquo;s most humble and faithful servant,

&ldquo;February 16, 1653.&rdquo;

&ldquo;May it please your Excellence,

&ldquo;Your Excellence&rsquo;s most obliged

&ldquo;and most humble servant,

&ldquo;Whitefriars, February 10, 1653.&rdquo;

March 16, 1653. 18

March 17, 1653.

&ldquo;For his Excellence the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke at Sweden.

March 17, 1653. 19

March 18, 1653.

March 18, 1653. 20

March 19, 1653.

“Your Excellence’s most humble and faithful servant,

“February 16, 1653.”

“May it please your Excellence,

“Your Excellence’s most obliged

“and most humble servant,

“Whitefriars, February 10, 1653.”

“For his Excellence the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke at Sweden.

“Your Excellence’s humble and faithful servant,

“24th February, 1653.”

The Council’s Order was this:—

“At the Council Chamber, Whitehall.

“Friday, 24th of February, 1653.

“Clerk of the Council.”

“Your very affectionate friend to serve you,

“Upsal, 24th March, 1653.”

“March 10th, 1653.”

“Vitloce, Martis deliciæ, decus

“At the Council Chamber, Whitehall:

“Friday, 17 Martii, 1653.

“W. Jessop, Clerk of the Council.”

“14. Agrees in substance with my ninth article.

“Your affectionate friend to serve you,

“Upsal, April 7th, 1654.”